Bill to prevent sexual harassment of women at workplace soon

NEW DELHI: Government proposes to bring a bill in Parliament to prevent sexual harassment of women at workplace, the Lok Sabha was told on Friday.

The proposed bill is based on guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in the Vishakha case to arrest sexual harassment at workplace, Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Chowdhary said in a written reply.

"It contains provisions for setting up internal complaints committee and a local complaints committee to look into the complaints of the aggrieved women and recommend suitable action against the respondents," she said.

In another reply, Chowdhary said the National Commission for Women (NCW) has recommended enhanced punishment for rape and other forms of sexual assault.

It has also suggested some major amendments in the Indian Penal Code to address the issue of molestation and eve-teasing as specific offences, she said, adding that it has also proposed corresponding changes in the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC) and the Evidence Act.

The NCW has also recommended some major amendments in the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, to make it more effective, the minister said adding that the recommendations are presently under the considerations of the government.

Observing that the NCW has been taking suo motu cognisance of rape and gang rape cases on the basis of media reports, Chowdhary said it has been constituting inquiry committees and visiting the affected states.

On the basis of the reports submitted by the committees, the Commission has been requesting state governments to take necessary action to register cases, speed up investigation and ensure speedy justice.