1. Legal Framework and Background

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee at Sacred Heart College is established in accordance with the landmark Vishaka judgment issued by the Supreme Court of India on 13th August 1997. This judgment formally recognised sexual harassment at the workplace as a violation of human rights and established that every woman has the right to a safe working environment.

The original guidelines have since been superseded by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which came into force on 9th December 2013. The college adheres strictly to the rules formulated by the Government of India to carry out the provisions of this Act.

2. Primary Objectives

The committee is dedicated to creating an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Its core objectives include:

• Prohibiting hierarchical oppression rooted in gender inequality, which can hinder academic or intellectual growth.
• Preventing gender-biased attitudes regarding the adjudication and efficacy of work allocated during working hours.
• Protecting the fundamental rights of women within the institution.
• Ensuring that women are empowered to realise their rights of freedom.

3. The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

The Internal Complaints Committee is the primary body responsible for the redressal of grievances.

• Mandate: The ICC is responsible for investigating every formal written complaint regarding sexual harassment.
• Investigation Process: The committee conducts inquiries as per the provisions of Section 11 of the Act, 2013.
• Remedial Action: Upon completing an inquiry, the ICC provides recommendations under Section 12 of the Act, 2013. Based on these recommendations, the Competent Authority is required to take appropriate punitive or remedial action.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

To maintain a safe and professional atmosphere, the committee performs the following duties:

• Assistance: Directly assisting aggrieved women in placing their formal complaints.
• Victim Support: Implementing measures to safeguard those who have been victimised.
• Disciplinary Standards: Treating sexual harassment as official misconduct and initiating punitive actions accordingly.
• Education and Awareness: Actively educating and training students to understand and identify sexual harassment.

5. Committee Composition (2025-2026)

The committee for the 2025-2026 academic year consists of the following members:

       Mrs. Chetna Gangwal                       Coordinator

       Miss. Pallavi Bhawel                          Faculty Member

       Mrs. Durga Jagtap                             Faculty Member

       Dr. B. L. Chouhan                              Faculty Member