Posh Law - Issuing the Notice to the Respondent in POSH Cases.
After a sexual harassment complaint has been acknowledged and reviewed, the next decisive step under the POSH Act, 2013 is issuing a notice to the respondent. This stage is where the principles of natural justice come into play no individual can be judged without being informed of the allegations against them and given an opportunity to respond. For the Internal Committee (IC), this step is critical in ensuring fairness, transparency, and credibility in the inquiry process. 1. Timeline for Sending the Notice The POSH Act requires that the IC send a copy of the complaint to the respondent within 7 working days of receiving it. This ensures the process begins without undue delay and that the respondent is formally made aware of the allegations. 2. Contents of the Notice A well-drafted notice must strike a balance between clarity and confidentiality. It should typically include: A copy of the complaint (with sensitive personal details redacted, if necessary). A summary of allegations aga...