11-05-2023 : The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act of 2013 has been disregarded by a number of Indian sports federations, according to a media report. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken note of this. According to the reports, these federations have not set up internal complaints committees (ICCs) to handle sexual harassment claims made within their organizations. The NHRC has issued notices to the Union Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), and 15 other National Sports Federations, including Handball, Volleyball, Basketball, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, Table Tennis, Billiards and Snooker, Judo, Squash, Triathlon, Kabaddi, Badminton, and Archery.
The NHRC has asked these organizations to submit detailed reports within four weeks outlining the current status of their ICCs and the steps they have taken or plan to take to address the issue of sexual harassment. The Commission has emphasized that if the contents of the media report are true, then it would amount to a violation of the law, and the dignity and legal rights of the sports persons may be at risk.
The media report highlights that five federations, including the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), do not have an ICC at all. Several wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, have also staged protests against the WFI chief, Brij Bhushan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment.
It is essential for organizations to take appropriate measures to prevent sexual harassment within their organizations and provide a safe and respectful workplace for all individuals. Failure to comply with the PoSH Act, 2013 can have serious consequences and leave individuals vulnerable to harassment and discrimination. The NHRC’s action serves as a reminder for organizations to take necessary steps to comply with the law and create a safe working environment for their employees.