POSH Complaint & Inquiry Management
End-to-End Legal Support for POSH Complaints
Handling a complaint of sexual harassment requires far more than procedural compliance—it demands independence, legal expertise, sensitivity, and a structured approach that protects the rights of all parties involved. Under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, an Internal Committee performs a quasi-judicial function, making it essential that every inquiry is conducted fairly, objectively, and in accordance with the principles of natural justice. At POSHAdvo, we provide end-to-end legal support from the moment a complaint is received, helping organizations navigate sensitive matters while ensuring procedural integrity and statutory compliance.
Our involvement begins with a preliminary legal assessment to determine whether the complaint falls within the scope of the POSH Act and whether the Internal Committee has the jurisdiction to proceed. We identify statutory timelines, procedural requirements, and immediate actions necessary to preserve the integrity of the inquiry. We also assist in drafting and reviewing statutory notices, procedural communications, hearing schedules, and other official correspondence, ensuring every step is legally compliant, transparent, and well-documented.
Inquiry Management & Evidence Evaluation
Once the complaint is admitted, we provide continuous legal guidance to the Internal Committee throughout the inquiry process. We support the Committee during hearings, recording statements, examining witnesses, and ensuring that both the complainant and the respondent receive a fair opportunity to present their case. Our objective is to help the Committee conduct impartial proceedings based on facts, evidence, and due process while adhering to the principles of natural justice.
A legally sustainable inquiry depends on the proper evaluation of evidence. We assist in reviewing documentary records, electronic communications, digital evidence, witness statements, and other relevant material to assess their relevance, reliability, and evidentiary value. We also help maintain complete and organized inquiry documentation, including notices, responses, hearing records, and supporting documents, ensuring the process remains legally defensible in the event of regulatory scrutiny or judicial review.
Inquiry Reports, Closure & Legal Support
At the conclusion of the inquiry, we assist the Internal Committee in analysing the evidence, applying the relevant legal principles, and preparing a comprehensive Inquiry Report. The report clearly records the issues considered, findings of the Committee, reasons supporting those findings, and recommendations made in accordance with the provisions of the POSH Act. Our focus is to ensure that every report is objective, well-reasoned, legally sound, and capable of withstanding appellate or judicial scrutiny.
Recognising that every complaint involves sensitive workplace relationships, we approach each matter with professionalism, confidentiality, and empathy. Every case presents unique legal and procedural considerations, and our experience in employment law, workplace investigations, and Internal Committee proceedings enables us to provide practical, independent, and legally robust support from the receipt of a complaint through to its closure. By combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of workplace dynamics, POSHAdvo helps organizations conduct fair, impartial, and defensible inquiries while protecting the interests of both the organization and its employees.
