Role Of The Criminal Justice System In Combating Sexual Harassment And Abuse At The Workplace: An Analysis
- IJLLR Journal
- Mar 27
- 1 min read
Shruti, Research Scholar, Department of Law, Central University of Haryana, Haryana
Dr. Anju, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Central University of Haryana, Haryana
ABSTRACT
Sexual harassment and abuse at the workplace refer to the unwelcome acts, physical conduct and behavior involving sexual overture and include verbal or non-verbal gestures which violates the dignity and safety of individual and undermine the professional integrity of workplace.
The paper deals with both national and Inter-national legal framework which support in combating the issue and doing justice with the objectives of the Preamble of Constitution.
It also deals with the role of judiciary in combating sexual harassment and abuse at the workplace starting from giving guidelines in Vishakha case, expanding meaning, ensuring employer accountability, monitoring implementation to redressing challenges.
It further deals with the role of criminal justice system in adjudication and sentencing, acting as preventive and deterrent institution and providing support to victims. It further discusses the role of police and investigation agencies, NGOs, prison and other legal institution in combating the issue.
So, despite the role played by criminal justice system in combating the issue it still faces challenges like underreporting, procedural delays and many more which is to overcome and reforms to be made.
Keywords: Sexual harassment, Abuse, Criminal Justice System
