17th February, 2026 : Session On POSH to Karnataka Railways Women Police Officers and Staff

Adv Ashwini Obulesh, Founder-Executive Director of Dhwani Legal Trust was invited as the resource person by the Karnataka Railway Police for an Interaction with the Women Police Officers and Staff. Adv Ashwini delivered a session on Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). She navigated through the entire aspects of POSH Act.

A. It gives legal protection to women against any form of sexual harassment at their

workplace.

B. Rooted in the Vishaka Guidelines (Supreme Court, 1997).

C. Applies to employees, interns, trainees, consultants, and even visitors.

D. Even online harassment during work communication is covered.

E. Goal: to ensure safe, equal, and respectful workplaces across India for women.

Ashwini outlined the objectives of the POSH Act, explained its scope and applicability, and sensitized the participants to the importance of creating safe and respectful workplaces. She also discussed key definitions under the Act, including sexual harassment and the responsibilities of institutions. She then elaborated on the legal mechanisms under the POSH Act, focusing on the constitution and functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), complaint procedures, inquiry process, and remedies available to aggrieved women. She highlighted the rights and duties of complainants, respondents, and employers under the law.

Overall it was an interactive session where the women officers understood though they are in law enforcing positions they too can seek relief if they are troubled or harassed sexually in their work stations.