PoSH Compliance: TN Govt Hospitals to Establish ICCs

In response to the rising sexual harassment allegations in the state, district joint directors have been instructed to establish internal complaints committees (ICCs) in government hospitals across Tamil Nadu.

The constitution of an ICC is mandated under Section 4 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (“PoSH Act”).

The circular dated February 19, 2025, issued by the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services, refers to the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The Directorate has directed that hospitals with a functioning ICC must publicly display the committee’s details, including the date of its formation or reconstitution, along with the PoSH guidelines.

Additionally, hospitals are encouraged to conduct regular gender sensitisation programmes to foster a safer environment. The joint directors of health services have been tasked with following the NHRC’s recommendations and submitting a report detailing the actions taken.

In November 2024, the Madras High Court noted that the state government had not yet framed rules under the PoSH Act. The government was then directed to review and adopt the model draft rules to be submitted by the State Women Commission. In this case, it was also remarked that it was “upsetting that directions need to be given to the agencies even after several years to ensure that Internal Committees are in place”.

In the broader fight against sexual crimes against women, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed two Amendment Bills last month proposing harsher punishments for such offences.