Internal Complaints Committee

Internal Complaints Committee

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is an important body within a workplace or institution, established to address complaints related to sexual harassment of women.
The ICC plays a vital role in ensuring that women feel safe, respected, and protected at their workplace. It provides a formal mechanism for reporting grievances, conducting fair investigations, and preventing future incidents through awareness and sensitization programs. The Committee serves as a platform for women to seek redressal, ensuring a transparent and just process for inquiry and resolution.

Introduction

The ICC is constituted under The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which aims to create a secure and supportive environment for women at work.

Sexual harassment violates a woman’s fundamental rights to equality under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India, and her right to life and dignity under Article 21. It also infringes upon her right to practice any profession or occupation in a safe and harassment-free environment.

Protection against sexual harassment and the right to work with dignity are universally recognized human rights under international conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which India ratified on June 25, 1993.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also notified the UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015, published in the Gazette of India.
These regulations are statutory and therefore binding on all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).

Functions of the ICC (as per UGC Advisory)

The Internal Complaints Committee is responsible for the following:

• Address gender-based violence and conduct gender-sensitization and awareness programs.

• Receive and handle complaints of sexual harassment through a clear, accessible reporting mechanism.

• Prevent sexual harassment by promoting a safe environment and formulating policies against harassment.

• Conduct fair and transparent investigations, following the principles of natural justice and ensuring all parties are heard.

• Resolve complaints promptly, minimizing disruption to the individuals and the workplace environment.

Composition of the ICC

• Presiding Officer: A senior woman employee from the organization, appointed as the head of the ICC.

• Internal Members: At least two employees committed to women’s rights or with experience in social work or legal knowledge.

• External Member: A representative from an NGO or an organization working for women’s rights or gender equality.