The complaint handling mechanism under POSH exists to ensure that every complaint of workplace sexual harassment is treated with care, fairness, and confidentiality protecting the dignity of the complainant while giving the respondent a genuine opportunity to be heard.
At TSA, we help organisations build complaint handling systems that are legally sound and workable in practice not just procedurally correct on paper.
How a Complaint Is Received and Processed
Step by step procedure:
- The complaint is submitted in writing to the designated Internal Committee.
- It should include the incident details, names of those involved, witness details, and any supporting evidence.
- The IC reviews whether the complaint falls within POSH's scope.
- The respondent is notified and given a defined window to submit a written response.
- If conciliation fails or isn't requested, the matter proceeds to formal inquiry.
How the Inquiry and Investigation Are Conducted
Once a complaint is accepted, the IC opens a formal inquiry not to assign blame in advance, but to establish the facts by hearing both sides, testing the evidence, and recording witness accounts before reaching a decision.