Policy on Sexual Harassment

Introduction

With regard to the Supreme Court Judgement and guidelines issued in 1997 to provide for the effective enforcement of the basic human right of gender equality and guarantee against sexual harassment and abuse, more particularly against sexual harassment at work places, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued circulars since 1998, to all the universities, advising them to establish a permanent cell and a committee; to develop guidelines to combat sexual harassment, violence against women and ragging at the universities and colleges. Keeping the above guidelines in view IIBS college has constituted a Committee against Sexual Harassment.

IIBS College has committed itself to provide a congenial and conducive atmosphere in which students, teachers and non-teaching staff can work together in an environment free of violence, harassment, exploitation, and intimidation. This includes all forms of gender violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination on the basis of gender. Every member is expected to be aware of the commitment to the right to freedom of expression and association; it strongly supports gender equality and opposes any form of gender discrimination and violence.

The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment in August 1997 (Vishaka & others vs. the State of Rajasthan & others) stated that every instance of sexual harassment is a violation of “Fundamental Rights” under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution of India, and amounts to a violation of the “Right to Freedom” under Article 19 (1)(g). Another Supreme Court Judgment in January 1999 (Apparel Export Promotion Council vs. Chopra) has stated that sexually harassing behavior “needs to be eliminated as there is no compromise on such violations”. The Supreme Court further reiterated that sexual harassment “is a violation of the fundamental right to gender equality and the right to life and liberty”.

Based on these, the Bangalore University, to which IIBS college is affiliated, made it mandatory for the affiliated and constituent colleges to adhere to the following from the year 2016:

1. An anti-sexual harassment cell to be made functional with at least two senior women faculty on the committee
2. An anti-sexual harassment policy to be adopted and publicized
3. An affidavit to be submitted by each college declaring that such a policy is adopted and the anti-sexual harassment cell is operative.

The Supreme Court judgment of 1997 makes it obligatory for every employer and other responsible persons to follow the guidelines laid down by the Court and to evolve a specific policy to combat sexual harassment in the workplace. Educational institutions affiliated to Bangalore University are bound by the same directive. Following this, IIBS College Bangalore, being committed to uphold the Constitutional mandate ensuring the above mentioned human rights, adopted the following policy.

Declaration of Policy

IIBS College Bangalore, shall value the dignity of every individual, enhance the development of its human resources, guarantee full respect for human rights, ensures the full enforcement of “Fundamental Rights” under articles 14, 15, 19(1) (g) and 21 of the Constitution of India, and uphold the dignity of workers, employees, applicants for employment, students or those undergoing training, instruction or education. Towards this end, all forms of sexual harassment in the employment, education or training environment are herby declared unlawful.

Objectives of the Policy

1. To fulfill the directive of the Supreme Court, as per UGC directives and the Bangalore University in respect of implementing a policy against sexual harassment in the institution.
2. To evolve a mechanism for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment cases and other acts of gender-based violence in the institution.
3. To ensure the implementation of the policy in letter and spirit through proper reporting of the complaints and their follow-up procedures.
4. To provide an environment free of gender-based discrimination.
5. To ensure equal access to all facilities and participation in activities of the college
6. To create a secure physical and social environment which will deter acts of sexual harassment
7. To promote a social and psychological environment that will raise awareness about sexual harassment in its various forms.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

For this purpose, sexual harassment includes such unwelcome sexually determined behaviour (whether directly or by implication) as:

1. Physical contact and advances;
2. A demand or request for sexual favours;
3. Sexually coloured remarks;
4. Showing pornography;
5. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature

Where any of these acts is committed in circumstances where-under the victim of such conduct has a reasonable apprehension that in relation to the victim’s employment or enrolment in the institution whether she is drawing salary, or honorarium or otherwise, such conduct can be humiliating and may constitute a health and safety problem. It is discriminatory for instance when the woman has reasonable grounds to believe that her objection would disadvantage her in connection with her employment or work or studentship including recruiting or promotion or academics when it creates a hostile work environment. Adverse consequences might be visited if the victim does not consent to the conduct in question or raises any objection thereto.

Jurisdiction

The rules and regulations outlined in this policy shall be applicable to all complaints of sexual harassment made:

1. By a member of the institution against any other member irrespective of whether the harassment is alleged to have taken place within or outside the campus.
2. By an outsider against a member of the college or by a member of the college against an outsider if the sexual harassment is alleged to have taken place within the campus.
3. By a member of the college against an outsider if the sexual harassment is alleged to have taken place outside the campus. In such cases, the Committee shall recommend that the college authorities initiate action by making a complaint to the appropriate authority. Further, the committee will actively assist and provide available resources to the complainant in pursuing the complaint.

Composition of the Anti – Sexual Harassment Committee.

1. A Presiding Officer who shall be a woman faculty member employed at a senior level at the educational institution;
2. Not less than two teaching employees and two non-teaching employees, preferably committed to the cause of women or who have had experience in social work or have legal knowledge.
3. Not less than three students, who shall be enrolled at the undergraduate, masters, and research scholar levels respectively.
4. One member from amongst non-governmental organizations or associations committed to the cause of women or a person familiar with the issues relating to sexual harassment. Provided that at least one-half of the total Members so nominated shall be women.

The members of the committee for the academic year 2017- 18

The Committee consists of members of the faculty, administration, service staff and students’ representatives. The members of the committee for the current academic year are:

SN	Name	Phone no.
1	Prof. Dr. Vijay Mohan Reddy	9611228038
2	Prof. Roza	9620123181
3	Prof. Munianjanappa K	9845120995
4	Prof. Manjunath B Suresh	8553941177
5	Prof. Manjula BC	9972239641
6	Prof. Babi Hazira	8892187260
7	Aishwarya, Student Member	NA
8	Jyothi (Student Member)	NA
9	Nayeema Taj (Student Member)	NA

Role and responsibility of Anti-sexual harassment committee:

1. To ensure provision of a work and educational environment that is free from sexual harassment (Sexual harassment is defined by law from the perspective of the person who feels they have been harassed and it occurs if the person who feels they have been harassed feels offended, humiliated, or intimidated by the conduct and it is reasonable, in all the circumstances that the person who feels they have been harassed would feel offended, humiliated or intimidated).
2. To take all reasonable steps (active and preventive in nature) to prevent the harassment occurring; To address any oral/written complaint about unwelcome sexual advances, unsolicited acts of physical intimacy, unwelcome requests for sexual favors or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature includes oral or written statements of a sexual nature to a person, or in a person's presence.
3. Obtain high-level support from the Principal & Registrar for implementing a comprehensive strategy:
   1. Providing information to all staff and students about what constitutes sexual harassment and about their responsibility not to sexually harass other staff and students
   2. Providing information and training to managers, supervisors, and staff conducting teaching and learning activities on meeting their responsibilities in relation to maintaining a work and study environment free from sexual harassment.
4. Develop a written policy which prohibits sexual harassment. The Institution shall have a Sexual Harassment Policy. The policy outlines the Institute’s key commitments and legal responsibilities and provides a definition of sexual harassment and behaviors that are not acceptable.
5. Regularly distribute and promote the policy at all levels of the organization; Ensure that managers and supervisors discuss and reinforce the policy at staff meetings; Provide the policy and other relevant information on sexual harassment to new staff as a standard part of induction; Periodically review the policy to ensure it is operating effectively and contains up to date information.
6. Display anti-sexual harassment posters on notice boards in common work areas and distribute relevant brochures; Conduct regular awareness-raising sessions for all staff on sexual harassment issues.
   1. Ensure that complaints processes:
   2. are clearly documented;
   3. are explained to all employees;
   4. offer both informal and formal options for resolution;
   5. address complaints in a manner which is fair, timely and confidential;
   6. are based on the principles of natural justice;
   7. provide clear guidance on internal investigation procedures and record keeping;
   8. Give an undertaking that no employee will be victimized or disadvantaged for making a complaint.

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

Selection of the Internal Complaint Committee members is extremely important as in most cases the committee members, if in sub-ordinate position of power at workplace to that of accused, find it very difficult to diligently carry out the responsibilities bestowed on them as heads or members of the Committee, against the superiors.

The Internal Complaints Committee must remember:

1. It needs extensive orientation for effective functioning.
2. It cannot function as a criminal court.
3. The complainant, when she complains, has at stake her personal life and career.
4. The impact sexual harassment has on a woman
5. It is difficult for a woman to talk about anything sexual. Hence there can be the long time interval between the harassment and the actual complaint.
6. It needs to handle complaints in a confidential manner and within a time-bound framework
7. It needs to submit an annual report on sexual harassment to the appropriate government authority.

Members of the ICC

SN	Name	Phone no.
1	Prof. Dr. Vijay Mohan Reddy	9611228038
2	Prof. Munianjanappa K	9845120995
3	Prof.Manjunath B Suresh	8553941177
4	Prof.Archana	9731990987
5	Prof. Manjula BC	9972239641
6	Prof. Babi Hazira	8892187260

Powers of the Committee

1. The Committee shall have the power to summon witnesses and call for documents or any information from any employee/student.
2. If the Committee has reason to believe that an employee/student is capable of furnishing relevant documents or information, it may direct such person to produce such documents or information by serving a notice in writing on that person, summoning the person, or calling for such documents or information at such place and within such time as may be specified in the written notice.
3. Where any relevant document or information is recorded or stored by means of a mechanical, electronic or other devices, the Committee shall have the power to direct that the same be produced, or that a clear reproduction in writing of the same is produced.
4. Upon production of documents/information called for by it, the Committee shall have the power to
   1. make copies of such documents/information or extracts therefrom; or
   2. retain such documents/information for such period as may be deemed necessary for purposes of the proceedings before it.
5. The Committee shall have the power to issue interim directions to/with regard to any person participating in the proceedings before it.
6. The Committee shall have the power to recommend the action to be taken against any person found guilty of
   1. sexually harassing the complainant;
   2. retaliating against / victimizing the complainant or any other person before it, and
   3. making false charges of sexual harassment against the accused person.

Functions of the Committee

Preventive Steps

It will be the endeavor of the committee:

1. To facilitate a safe environment that is free of sexual harassment;
2. To promote behaviors that create an atmosphere that ensures gender equality and equal opportunities.

Remedial Steps

1. To ensure that the mechanism for registering complaints is safe, accessible and sensitive.
2. To take cognizance of complaints about sexual harassment, conduct inquiries, provide assistance and redressal to the victims, recommend penalties and take action against the harasser, if necessary.
3. To advise the competent authority to issue warnings or take the help of the law to stop the harasser, if the complainant consents.
4. To seek medical, police and legal intervention with the consent of the complainant.
5. To make arrangements for appropriate psychological, emotional and physical support (in form of counseling, security, and other assistance) to the victim if so desires.

Procedure to be followed by the committee

1. The Committee shall meet as and when any complaint is received by it. A complaint may be received by any member of the committee.
2. The Committee may direct the complainant to prepare and submit a detailed statement of incidents if the written complaint lacks exactness and required particulars, within a period of two (2) days from such direction or such other time period that the Committee may decide.
3. The Committee shall direct the accused employee(s) to prepare and submit a written response to the complaint/allegations within a period of four (4) days from such direction or such other time period as the Committee may decide.
4. Each party shall be provided with a copy of the written statement(s) submitted by the other.
5. The Committee shall conduct the proceedings in accordance with the principles of natural justice. It shall allow both parties reasonable opportunity of presenting their case. However, should the accused choose not to participate in the proceedings, the Committee shall continue ex parte.
6. The Committee shall allow both parties to produce relevant documents and witnesses to support their case. Documents produced by either party shall be affixed with that party’s signature to certify the document as an original/true copy.
7. The party against whom the document/witness is produced shall be entitled to challenge/cross-examine the same.
8. The Committee shall sit on a day-to-day basis to record and consider the evidence produced by both parties.
9. As far as practicable, all proceedings of the Committee shall take place in the presence of both parties.
10. Minutes of all proceedings of the Committee shall be prepared and duly signed by the members of the Committee.
11. The Committee shall make all endeavor to complete its proceedings within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of the complaint.
12. The Committee shall record its findings in writing supported with reasons and shall forward the same with its recommendations, to the Principal/Management, within a period of five (5) days from completion of the proceedings before it. In case the Committee finds that the facts disclose the commission of a criminal offense by the accused person, this shall be specifically mentioned in the Committee’s report.
13. If, in the course of the proceedings before it, the Committee is satisfied that a prima facie case of sexual harassment is made out against the accused employee(s)/student and that there is any chance of the recurrence of any such action, or that it is required to do so in the interests of justice, it may, on the request of the complainant or otherwise, disciplinary action could be initiated in the form of:
    1. Warning
    2. Written apology
    3. Bond of good behavior
    4. Adverse remarks in the confidential report
    5. Debarring from supervisory duties
    6. Denial of membership of statutory bodies
    7. Denial of re-employment/readmission
    8. Stopping of increments/promotion/denying admission ticket
    9. Reverting, demotion
    10. SuspensionDismissal
    11. Any other relevant mechanism

If, in the course of the proceedings before it, the Committee is satisfied that any person has retaliated against / victimized the complainant or any person assisting the complainant as a result of the complaint having been made or such assistance having been offered, the Committee shall report the same in writing, to the Principal/Management, with reasons and with recommendations of the action to be taken against such person.

If, at the culmination of the proceedings before it, the Committee is satisfied that the complainant has knowingly brought false charges of sexual harassment against any person, it shall report the same in writing to the Principal/Management, with reasons and with recommendations of the action to be taken against such person.

Annual Report

The Chairperson of the Committee will prepare an Annual Report at the end of each academic year, giving a full account of the activities of the Committee during the year gone by. A copy of the report may be sent to the IIBS College Management; Registrar, Bangalore University; and the UGC.