{"id":377270,"date":"2026-03-03T12:30:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T07:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/?p=377270"},"modified":"2026-03-03T12:17:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T06:47:49","slug":"bci-posh-comliance-guidelines-legal-profession-icc-compliance-framework","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2026\/03\/03\/bci-posh-comliance-guidelines-legal-profession-icc-compliance-framework\/","title":{"rendered":"POSH Act Compliance Now Mandatory Across Legal Bodies: BCI Rolls Out Workplace Safety Guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Recently, the Bar Council of India issued POSH Compliance Guidelines to ensure compliance of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013<\/a> and promote safe working environment for the members.<\/p>\n

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013<\/a> is a crucial legal framework in India aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment at the workplace.<\/p>\n

The State Bar Councils will have the liberty to further enhance these Guidelines as per their specific needs and requirements without changing the minimum and basic requirements of these regulations. These changes will require approval from the Bar Council of India.<\/p>\n

Note-<\/span> the term “member”<\/span> includes: members of bar associations, law offices, State Bar Councils, and Bar Council of India.<\/p>\n

POSH Compliance Requirements:<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. \n

    Awareness and Training:<\/span> these are the fundamental aspects of ensuring compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013<\/a>.<\/span> It promotes a safe workplace for all members and ensure that all members are not only aware of their legal obligations but are also equipped with knowledge and tools to prevent and address sexual harassment effectively.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n

      Awareness programs<\/span> should cover the definition of sexual harassment, types of behaviors that constitute harassment, and the legal framework.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n

      Training sessions<\/span> such be organised to familiarize members which should also include explaining the role of the Internal Complaints Committee and the complaint redressal process.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \n

      Customized training<\/span> should be arranged to cater to the specific needs of the legal profession such as understanding the importance of client- Advocate relationship.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    4. \n

      Promote sensitivity and empathy<\/span> and all necessary assistance possible in dealing with victims of harassment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    5. \n

      Provide easily accessible resources<\/span> such as handbooks, pamphlets, contact information for the Internal Complaints Committee, etc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    6. \n

      Keep the members informed<\/span> about updates or changes to the Act\/ Rules\/ Regulations Guidelines, ensuring they stay current with the legal requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    7. \n

      Promote reporting<\/span> of harassment incidents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    8. \n

      Engaging senior leaders<\/span> and office heads in the training process to set a positive example.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    9. \n

      Conduct interactive workshops<\/span>, role- playing exercises, and case studies illustrating how to recognize, prevent and address sexual harassment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    10. \n

      Create Feedback mechanism<\/span> to provide input on the effectiveness of awareness and training programs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    11. \n

      Offer refresher courses<\/span> periodically to ensure members stay well informed and vigilant in maintaing a safe workplace.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n

    12. \n

      Internal Complaints Committee:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. \n

        It is crucial component of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      2. \n

        This body ensures the fair and effective resolution of complaints of sexual harassment in the workplace.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      3. \n

        The Well-functioning Internal Complaints Committee can uphold the principles of justice and create a safe and inclusive work environment for all members.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      4. \n

        It is composed of both:<\/p>\n