Legal Context

Every citizen of the country, regardless of gender identity across the spectrum, has the right to education and employment in an environment of safety and security. The Constitution of India guarantees Gender Equality and the Right to Life and Liberty under Articles 14, 19 and 21. Every organisation therefore has a responsibility to ensure that all employees and students can work and study with dignity, equality and safety.

In matters relating to sexual harassment, members of the IIT Hyderabad community are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the landmark legislations enacted by the Government of India:

• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
• UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015

These legislations reflect internationally accepted standards for ensuring gender-sensitive workplaces and educational institutions. They recognize that sexual harassment may include verbal, emotional, psychological, physical or other unwelcome conduct, and place responsibility on institutions to prevent and address such behaviour.

The law also provides safeguards for complainants and witnesses, ensures confidentiality during the inquiry process and recognizes the structural inequalities that may prevent survivors from reporting incidents.