Workplace sexual harassment, in its various manifestations, is a pervasive social evil that disproportionately affects women and constitutes a grave violation of their fundamental rights to work, dignity, equality, and a life free from fear. Beyond creating a hostile and intimidating work environment, such harassment hampers women's professional performance, hinders their social and economic advancement, and inflicts significant emotional, psychological, and physical trauma. The landmark Vishaka case served as the catalyst for the enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which obligates all workplaces to ensure a safe and harassment - free environment for women and to establish effective grievance redressal mechanisms. However, despite the legislative intent, the Act has not yielded the desired outcomes. A significant number of cases remain unreported, reported cases often go un - investigated, and there is a widespread non - compliance with the provisions of the Act, compounded by a general lack of awareness.
This paper critically examines the key provisions and shortcomings of the Act, traces the evolution of workplace sexual harassment jurisprudence in India, and reviews recent judicial pronouncements shaping its interpretation. It explores the tangible impact of workplace harassment on women, evaluates the measures undertaken by the government to combat it, and highlights the exclusionary nature of the Act concerning other genders. The paper underscores the pressing need for inclusive, gender - neutral reforms to ensure equitable protection for all individuals, regardless of gender identity, and concludes with practical recommendations for a more robust legal framework.
