Phone No.: 7795150647 |
Email ID: legalaid@sjcl.edu.in
Student Support
A Safe, Harassment-Free Campus
St. Joseph's College of Law is committed to providing a safe, harassment-free environment for all members of the College community. The College's Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell policy sets out the procedures for recording, addressing and resolving complaints of sexual harassment, in compliance with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
UGC Guidelines
POSH Act, 2013
Strictly Confidential
Scope
The policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors of the College. The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is responsible for implementing these procedures.
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
The ICC is constituted in accordance with the 2013 Act to provide support and redressal for persons affected by sexual harassment. It consists of at least four members: a woman Chairperson from among the employees, two members from the teaching staff, and one external member with expertise in legal or social issues relating to gender equality.
Committee
ICC Members
| Sl. No. | Name | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ms. Shoba Hegde | Chairperson |
| 2 | Ms. Eunice Mercy | External Member (Human Rights Advocate and Social Worker) |
| 3 | Mr. Satyaki C | Member |
| 4 | Ms. Blessy Sudarsan | Member |
Step by Step
Filing a Complaint
01
Who may complain
Any woman who is aggrieved by an incident of sexual harassment in the College, including students, staff and faculty.
02
How to complain
The complaint should be in writing, signed by the complainant, and submitted directly to the ICC.
03
Time limit
The complaint should be filed within three months of the incident. The ICC may extend this period by up to three further months where it considers it appropriate.
Recording of Complaints
All complaints are recorded in strict confidentiality. Information relating to complaints, investigations and action taken is accessible only to ICC members and other parties authorised under the Act. The ICC maintains a secure register, physical or electronic, of all complaints, proceedings, evidence and action taken.
Process
Investigation and Resolution
Stage 1
Preliminary review
The ICC reviews the complaint to establish the facts and determine whether it amounts to sexual harassment under the Act. All parties are informed and allowed to present their accounts.
Stage 2 · Within 10 days
Inquiry
Within ten days of the preliminary review, the ICC begins an inquiry following due process. Both the complainant and the respondent are entitled to be heard, present evidence and respond to allegations.
Stage 3 · Within 90 days
Timeline
The ICC aims to complete the inquiry within 90 days of receiving the complaint. Any extension is communicated to all parties.
Outcome
Redressal and Disciplinary Action
Within 10 days
Findings
On completing the inquiry, the ICC submits its findings and recommendations to the College's disciplinary authority within ten days.
Action
Disciplinary action
Depending on the severity of the offence, action may include a written apology, warning, suspension or termination. Where appropriate, the matter may be taken to the Local Complaints Committee (LCC).
Within 90 days
Appeal
Both parties may appeal against the ICC's decision within 90 days, in accordance with the 2013 Act.
Interim Relief and Counselling
During the inquiry, the ICC may recommend measures to protect the complainant, such as changing the complainant's or respondent's department, granting leave, or suspending the respondent. The College provides access to counselling services and support for the complainant and the respondent as necessary.
Awareness and Reporting
The ICC organises annual workshops, seminars and training sessions to help students, faculty and staff recognise, prevent and report sexual harassment. The policy is made available through the College website, notice boards and on-boarding material. The ICC submits an annual report to the governing body on complaints received, resolved and pending, and action taken, without disclosing the identities of the persons involved.
This policy is subject to revision in line with changes in legal and regulatory requirements, or as considered necessary by the ICC and the College administration.