Women can e-mail, post complaints to SC sexual harassment cell

The committee set up in the Supreme Court to deal with instances of sexual harassment within its precincts has decided that aggrieved women can send their complaints to it by post or e-mail.

"The aggrieved women as defined in clause 2(a) of the Gender Sensitisation and Sexual Harassment of Women at the Supreme Court of India (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Regulations, 2013 may make a complaint in writing of sexual harassment at Supreme Court of India precincts to the GSICC through its Member Secretary - Rachna Gupta, Registrar," the circular reads, adding it has been done to sensitise the general public on gender issues.

It said the first meeting of the committee was held on December 9, 2013 to workout the modalities for the effective implementation of "The Gender Sensitisation and Sexual Harassment of Women at the Supreme Court of India (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Regulations, 2013" and to take decision on related issues.

"The complaint shall be sent either by registered post, courier, speed post or e-mail. It can also be handed over personally at the above said address," the circular said, adding the confidentiality of the inquiry proceedings shall be maintained. The aggrieved women can send their complaint on the email ID of Rachna Gupta at [email protected].

In January this year, the committee in its annual report had said it had received two complaints from two women lawyers since its inception in November 2013 and the complaints were pending disposal. Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam had formed GSICC which is headed by the Supreme Court's woman judge, Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, and has six other women members.

There are two members who are outsiders and not connected with the apex court in any manner. The panel is in consonance with the guidelines laid down by the apex court in its judgement in Vishaka case for dealing with complaints of sexual harassment at workplace.

Under the guidelines, it is required that the panel has a majority of women members and two members of civil society nominated by the Chief Justice of India.