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Section 24: Appropriate Government to take measures to publicise the Act

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 • Official Statutory Text & Practice Guide

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Section 23 All 30 Sections of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 Section 25

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 24

Section 24 obligates the Appropriate Government to take active, resourced measures to publicize the provisions of the POSH Act, develop comprehensive educational materials, organize public awareness campaigns, and formulate structured orientation and training programs for Local Committee members.

  • State-Led Public Awareness and Educational Campaigns: Clause (a) mandates the development of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and training materials, alongside public awareness programs to enhance societal and employee understanding of rights and protections under the Act.
  • Capacity Building and Training of Local Committee Members: Clause (b) imposes a targeted statutory obligation to formulate specialized orientation and training programs for Chairpersons and members of Local Committees, who handle inquiries in the informal sector.
  • Resource Availability Qualification and Positive Duty: While the provision uses 'subject to the availability of financial and other resources', judicial interpretation has elevated publicity and training into a constitutional imperative under Articles 14 and 21.
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • Aureliano Fernandes v. State of Goa (2023) 14 SCC 566: The Supreme Court stressed that statutory orientation and capacity-building are vital; held that inquiring bodies lacking training in natural justice, evidence handling, and gender sensitivity commit grave procedural errors leading to quashed inquiries.
  • Initiative for Inclusion Foundation v. Union of India (2023 SCC OnLine SC 1361): The Supreme Court directed Central and State Governments to conduct regular training modules for Local Committee members and disseminate IEC materials in regional and vernacular languages for informal sector workers.
  • Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) 6 SCC 241: Reaffirmed that proactive education, publication, and institutional sensitization are essential prerequisites to dismantling structural gender discrimination in workplaces.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

In disciplinary appeals or Section 18 challenges, examine whether the inquiring committee members received mandatory orientation under Section 24 or Rule 13; lack of training often manifests in violations of natural justice (e.g. denying cross-examination, failure to supply documents), providing fertile grounds for quashing inquiry reports.

Section 23 All 30 Sections of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 Section 25