Reinforcing Workplace Safety: Tamil Nadu Issues SOP for Effective Implementation of the PoSH Act, 2013
- LexPOSH
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
On 18th June 2025, the Government of Tamil Nadu issued a significant directive - G.O. (Ms) No. 64 - introducing a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly referred to as the PoSH Act.
This is a landmark move to strengthen workplace safety, promote gender equality, and eliminate ambiguity surrounding the law's implementation.
Why This SOP Matters
Despite being over a decade old, the PoSH Act continues to face challenges in consistent and effective implementation. Organizations often lack clarity on roles, redressal mechanisms, and compliance responsibilities.
Tamil Nadu’s SOP comes as a timely intervention to:
Define clear roles and responsibilities
Ensure uniformity across departments and establishments
Strengthen preventive and redressal mechanisms
Promote legal awareness and sensitization
Key Highlights of the SOP
1. Clear Stakeholder Mapping
The SOP identifies key actors—employers, district collectors, BDOs, NGOs, social welfare and labour departments, judiciary, and others—with defined responsibilities in both prevention and redressal.
2. Employer Duties Amplified
Employers are mandated to:
Ensure a gender-sensitive and respectful workplace
Adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment
Form Internal Committees at each administrative unit
Conduct regular awareness and induction trainings
Submit timely Annual Reports to the District Officer
3. Redressal Mechanism Strengthened
The SOP elaborates on:
Inquiry processes under Sec. 11
Role of Internal Committee (IC) and Local Committee (LC)
Protection for complainants during proceedings
Clear timelines: Complaints to be resolved within 90 days
Right to parallel civil and criminal remedies for the aggrieved woman
4. Definition of Workplace & Employee Expanded
From formal offices to field sites, transport facilities, online spaces, and informal sectors - workplace now means anywhere work-related interactions occur. Similarly, volunteers, interns, apprentices, and even those not directly employed are included under "employees."
5. Enforcement and Penalties
Non-compliance can lead to penalties up to ₹1,00,000, cancellation of licenses, and legal action for failure to form ICs, file reports, or implement committee recommendations.
A Step Forward for All Workplaces
The SOP not only reiterates legal obligations but also instills a culture of accountability and inclusivity. It’s a call to action for all employers - public and private -to revisit their current PoSH practices and realign with the SOP’s expectations.
Tamil Nadu has laid down a practical framework. Now, it’s time for all of us to walk the talk.
Let’s ensure that workplaces are not just productive -but also safe, dignified spaces for everyone.
#PoSHAct #WorkplaceSafety #TamilNadu #SOP #WomenAtWork #Compliance #HR #Legal #DEI #SafeWorkplace #InternalCommittee
