The law on Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace

Of late everybody has been hearing about #me too and a lot of people have jumped into the bandwagon with or with no reason is not important.  We have young and not-so-young ladies recollecting past experiences of harassment, which after so much time and after so much water has flowed down the bridge may have lost its relevance.  

However, the hassled lot are those men, husband's, boyfriend's etc. etc.,  who have started seeing stars in broad daylight. So blighted are they that the bolt from the blue that has hit them has left them floundering, scratching their heads and trying to recollect when was it they misbehaved.  It may have been at a time when light flirtatious behaviour or loud banter was an accepted thing.  But the misdoings of the past seems to have caught up with them now, oh what a shame! I hardly meant to offend her then, but what seems confounding is why was the lady silent then is bringing it up now.  Is it just because everybody's memories have suddenly begun to get overactive or is it a shot at getting some free publicity, is it some kind of revenge or is it because the victim is truly hurt.  

In any case, accusations flying hither and thither has only further complicated the matter thereby compounding the problems of the victims.  The media has actively added injury to hurt by digging into past possible misdemeanors of the victims, aggravating the situation by bringing the victims into a full public glare. 

At such a time is it right for the accuser to seek redressal at such a late date.  Is it possible for the victim to prove his innocence of an act which in all probability has got erased from his memory.  Are there any witnesses, if so, are they reliable? Are they willing to testify? Is there any evidence available?  What if the accuser is doing it to get back at the victim for something that is not related?  Who will decide this, and at the end of everything if the victim is found to be innocent, then what about all the bad publicity he has received? How will he get back on his feet after the massive media bashing?

A time frame of 90 days has been set for the harassed person to file her complaint against sexual harassment as per the Act of 2013.  It is, therefore, best for accusers filing age-old complaints to compromise with the situation and let go of things.  Of course, a lesson learnt in the past will most definitely prepare them to be more cautious and alert in the future (this is purely my own opinion).

A lesson to all those who have been silently suffering for years together; don't bow down to harassment of any kind and build up a reserve energy to fight back immediately, whatever the circumstance and whatever the time.  Seek the help of close family, build a circle of good and reliable friends who can back you up when you are in dire straits.  Aids like pepper sprays are easily available, keep them handy at all times.  When harassed, do not wait, react immediately and ensure the harasser is suitably warned to keep off.  Being aware of your rights will be of great help to you, ignorance will only land you into trouble. 

Do not blindly trust anybody with your personal and confidential information.  Be aware at all times, do not let your guard down even when you are with friends.  Do not accept food or drinks offered to you unless it is prepared in front of you.  If you make this a regular habit, alertness and awareness will come to you naturally, if not, you can be taken by surprise and you will be the worse of for it.

The subject of Sexual Harassment is vast and highly debatable.  Some knowledge of the pros and cons will most definitely be of help in the long run.