Bandipora, May 21, 2025: In a bid to promote legal literacy and ensure workplace safety for women, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Bandipora organized a Legal Awareness Programme on the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at the Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013.
An official spokesperson said the programme was organised in coordination with the Tehsil Legal Services Committee (TLSC) Sumbal and in coordination with the JK Educational Society and Social Welfare Trust Sumbal,
The awareness event, held at the premises of JK Educational Society and Social Welfare Trust Sumbal, was conducted under the supervision of Khalil Ahmad Choudhary, Chairman DLSA Bandipora, and the guidance of Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary DLSA Bandipora, and Rahila Rashid, Munsiff/JMIC and Chairman TLSC Sumbal.
Chairperson of the host institution, Ms. Afroza Bano, inaugurated the session by addressing the participants and emphasizing the importance of ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for women, especially within educational institutions.
She lauded DLSA Bandipora for organizing such a vital programme and urged all stakeholders to effectively implement the POSH Act in their respective institutions.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Sheikh Aijaz, Panel Lawyer, TLSC Sumbal, who provided a comprehensive overview of the POSH Act, 2013.
He described it as landmark legislation enacted to prevent and redress sexual harassment of women at workplaces, defining such acts as unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, or physical behavior that undermines a woman’s dignity or creates a hostile environment.
He also elaborated on the structure and functions of Internal and Local Complaints Committees, urging all employers and institutions to comply with their legal obligations under the Act.
Highlighting recent judicial directions, Mr. Aijaz referred to the Hon’ble Supreme Court judgment in MA No. 22553/2023 titled Aureliano Fernandes Vs State of Goa, reiterating DLSA Bandipora’s commitment to provide legal aid and advice to any woman aggrieved under the POSH Act.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from PLV Parvaiz Ahmad Bhat, who expressed gratitude to the participants, staff members, and volunteers for contributing to the success of the awareness drive. The event witnessed active participation from students and officials of the JK Educational Society and Social Welfare Trust, staff from TLSC Sumbal, and PLVs associated with legal services.
