Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan — Sexual Harassment at Workplace Guidelines

The Supreme Court laid down the Vishaka Guidelines — the precursor to the POSH Act 2013 — defining sexual harassment at the workplace.

Court

Supreme Court of India

Date

13 Aug 1997

Petitioner

Vishaka & Others

Respondent

State of Rajasthan & Others

Bench

CJ J.S. Verma, J. Sujata Manohar, J. B.N. Kirpal

Background

Following the gang rape of Bhanwari Devi, a social worker in Rajasthan, a PIL was filed by women's rights groups seeking enforcement of the right to work in a safe environment.

Held

The court, in the absence of legislation, laid down binding guidelines defining sexual harassment and requiring employers to establish complaints committees.

Legacy

The Vishaka Guidelines remained the law until replaced by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).