Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLU), launched its Weekly Faculty Discussion Series on 28th March 2025. The series is a pioneering step towards cultivating a robust academic environment at RPNLU. This initiative aims to foster academic discourse and interdisciplinary dialogue among faculty members. Taking the lead in this inaugural session, the Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor (Dr.) Usha Tandon presented her research on the topic, “The Complexities of Protection and Allegations of Abuse in the Context of Workplace Sexual Harassment of Women.”
In her insightful discourse, Prof. Tandon provided an in-depth analysis of the legal frameworks addressing sexual harassment in India, with a specific focus on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). She examined its provisions, obligations imposed on employers, and the role of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) in ensuring a safe and equitable workplace. She further highlighted the Act's role in institutionalizing mechanisms for safeguarding women in professional spaces, aligning with international mandates such as CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women).
Addressing the complexities of implementation, Prof. Tandon discussed judicial interpretations of the Act over the past decade, shedding light on landmark cases that have shaped its enforcement. She also delved into the ongoing debate surrounding the penalization of false or malicious complaints, emphasizing the importance of balancing protection with procedural fairness.
The session was followed by an engaging discussion, where faculty members exchanged perspectives on the efficacy of gender-protective laws and their real-world implications. Faculty members discussed the various cases and judicial provocations which highlighted the need of this law in India. They also discussed on the necessity of continuous legal and institutional reforms to enhance workplace safety while ensuring justice for all stakeholders.
The Weekly Faculty Discussion Series at RPNLU is envisioned as a platform for intellectual engagement, fostering legal scholarship and interdisciplinary research. With its inaugural session setting a high academic benchmark, the university looks forward to more such discourses that contribute meaningful and legal and social challenges.
