Sexual harassment at the workplace is a serious violation of a person’s dignity and fundamental rights. Over the years, India has developed a comprehensive legal framework to prevent and redress such harassment, with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) being a key mechanism in this regard. This article provides a detailed and accessible guide to the ICC.
The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is a mandatory body established under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (SHW Act) in India. The ICC plays a crucial role in addressing sexual harassment complaints, ensuring a safe workplace, and implementing preventive measures to deter future incidents. A key feature that distinguishes the ICC is its quasi-judicial powers, allowing it to function in a manner akin to a court of law, although with more procedural flexibility.