Reading Between The Lines: Posh And The Psychology Of Workplace Harassment
- IJLLR Journal
- Feb 15
- 1 min read
Mudita Gupta, O.P Jindal Global University
Serena Sabharwal, O.P Jindal Global University
ABSTRACT
This paper presents a psychological analysis of sexual harassment in the workplace, critically examining the origin of such behaviour while assessing the effectiveness of legal redressal provided under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (hereinafter referred to as the POSH Act or simply the Act). The paper further critiques the implementation of the Act highlighting its drawbacks and inconsistencies through several cases in India. As a part of this study, we interviewed COGSASH student representatives to understand the challenges in implementing these redressal mechanisms on university campuses. After exploring topics such as corner office harassment and the psychological impact of a complaint, the paper provides evidence-based recommendations aimed at mitigating sexual harassment in Indian workplaces. The current implementation framework of the POSH Act, 2013, while comprehensive, is insufficient in mitigating workplace sexual harassment in India due to gaps in the legislature, underlying psychological and organizational power structures that perpetuate gender-based dominance and inhibit fair redressal.
