Section 25 of The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
- (1)The appropriate Government, on being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest or in the interest of women employees at a workplace to do so, by order in writing,—
- (a)call upon any employer or District Officer to furnish in writing such information relating to sexual harassment as it may require;
- (b)authorise any officer to make inspection of the records and workplace in relation to sexual harassment, who shall submit a report of such inspection to it within such period as may be specified in the order.
- (2)Every employer and District Officer shall produce on demand before the officer making the inspection all information, records and other documents in his custody having a bearing on the subject matter of such inspection.
Summary
- The appropriate Government can order an employer or District Officer to furnish, which means provide, written information relating to sexual harassment.
- The appropriate Government can authorise an officer to inspect workplaces and records relating to sexual harassment.
- The authorised officer must submit an inspection report to the government within a specified period.
- Employers and District Officers must produce all relevant documents and information in their custody on demand.
- These powers can be used when necessary in the public interest or to protect women employees.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. On what grounds can the government call for information or inspect a workplace under Section 25 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013?
Under Section 25 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the appropriate Government can exercise these powers if it is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest or in the interest of women employees at a workplace.
2. Who is required to produce documents during an inspection under Section 25 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013?
Under Section 25 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, every employer and District Officer must produce on demand all information, records, and other documents in their custody that relate to the inspection.
3. Does the officer conducting the inspection have to submit a report under Section 25 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013?
Yes, under Section 25 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the authorised officer must submit a report of the inspection to the appropriate Government within the period specified in the government's order.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 25 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which two entities can the government call upon to furnish written information?
Q2.Under Section 25 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, what must happen after an authorised officer completes an inspection of a workplace?
Q3.Let us test understanding across Section 21, Section 22, and Section 25 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. If an employer fails to include case statistics in their annual report, how can the government use Section 25 to verify compliance?
Q4.Under Section 25 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, what must the appropriate Government first be satisfied of before ordering an inspection or calling for information?