Dr. Supraja Vs State Represented (Madras High Court)
Madras High Court directed strict implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Accordingly, various other directions for implementation of the same are also given.
Facts- The petitioner is working as an Assistant Medical Officer / in-charge of Residential Medical Officer of the third respondent Medical College Hospital. Notably, the Personal Assistant of the Principal had also indulged in such kind of sexual harassment and the aggrieved persons have given complaints against him. Fifth respondent was alleged to have causing sexual harassment to the intern girls and they had given complaints to the principal. As the principal was in the habit of shielding the perpetrators, the petitioner needed to lodge a police complaint against the fifth respondent. In pursuant to which a case has been registered. Subsequently, fifth respondent was arrested and later released.
Conclusion- Directions are given by the Hon’ble Supreme Court right from Visakato Aureliano Fernandez Vs. State of Goa and others in respect of the strict implementation of the provisions of PoSH Act. Though it may not be fair to outrightly presume that there is a lack of intention on the part of the government machinery to implement the objects of the PoSH Act, the presence of inherent indifference cannot be denied.
