If Internal Committees to prevent atrocities against women are not established, a penalty of ₹50,000 will be imposed

Women and Child Development Commissioner Nayana Gunde issues strict warning to Government Departments and Private Establishments

Commissioner of the Women and Child Development Department, Nayana Gunde

Mumbai – Women and Child Development Commissioner Nayana Gunde has issued a firm directive to all Government Departments, semi-government bodies, and private establishments, stressing that it is mandatory to enforce the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and constitute Internal Committees (ICs) in their organisations. She cautioned that failure to do so will attract a penalty of ₹50,000 on the head of the establishment.

Commissioner Nayana Gunde said:

1. Every office or establishment employing 10 or more persons must constitute an Internal Committee. This is a legal requirement under the POSH Act and applies uniformly across sectors.

2. The directive covers all Government, semi-government, and public sector institutions – including Corporations, local self-governing bodies, municipal councils, government companies, and any organisation that receives funding from the State or local authorities.

She emphasised that private sector compliance is equally mandatory, covering companies, industrial units, service sector organisations, educational institutions, hospitals, entertainment-related entities, sports organisations, and sports complexes.

3. The Commissioner further stated that under Section 26 of the POSH Act, non-compliance with the mandated provisions will result in a fine of up to ₹50,000 for the head of the establishment.

“If violations continue, the penalty can be doubled, and the establishment’s licence may be cancelled. The Act empowers authorities to take strict action,” she added.

She also clarified that details of the Internal Committees must be regularly updated on the Government portal.

4. If an organisation has not displayed the details of its Internal Committee on its premises, employees or the public may register a complaint by calling the women’s helpline number 181.

5. Commissioner Gunde also noted that the Supreme Court has exempted political parties – despite having lakhs of women workers—from the POSH Act, on the grounds that political parties cannot be classified as workplaces or offices under the Act.