16/09/2026
Sensitisation Programme on Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and its Complaint Mechanism under the POSH Act, 2013,under the guidance and support of Dr Dilip Pandey, Principal.
The Internal Committee (IC), in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Sikkim Government Law College, Gangtok, organised a Sensitisation Programme on Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and its Complaint Mechanism under the POSH Act, 2013 for the teaching and non-teaching staff of the College on 16th September 2026 at the Moot Court Hall, Sikkim Government Law College.
The programme commenced with the welcome address by Programme coordinator Ms. Palmu Kaleon, Assistant Professor, Sikkim Government Law College, who also served as the Master of Ceremonies for the session. She warmly welcomed the Principal, Vice Principal, Dean of Student Affairs, Resource Person ( Dr Doma T. Bhutia, Senior Adv, High Court of Sikkim) along with members of the Internal Committee, faculty members and non-teaching staff of SGLC. She also introduced the respected Resource Person and briefly familiarised the SGLC community with the institutional mechanism available for addressing complaints under the POSH Act, 2013.
This was followed by the felicitation of the Resource Person, Dr. Doma T. Bhutia, Senior Advocate, Human Rights Activist and President, Bar Association of the High Court of Sikkim, by the Principal, Dr. Dilip Pandey, and Vice Principal, Dr. Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia and Dr. Sonam Dikki Dolma Bhutia, Dean of Student Affairs, also felicitated the Principal and Vice Principal in recognition of their constant support and valuable guidance.
Thereafter, Dr. Sonam Dikki Dolma Bhutia, Dean of Student Affairs and Convenor of the Internal Committee, gave an introduction to the Internal Committee and explained its purpose and functioning at Sikkim Government Law College. She informed the gathering that the Internal Committee was constituted during the academic session 2025–2026. She introduced the members of the Committee, comprising Dr. Sonam Diki Dolma Bhutia, Convenor/Chairperson; Dr. Binita Pradhan; Ms. Yankeela Bhutia; members, Senior Advocate Tashi Rapten Barfungpa, President of the Bar Association of Sikkim; Mr. Bikash, a social worker/NGO representative; and Ms. Parul Ruchal, SP Maam,being the esteemed members of the IC Committee of the College.
Dr. Sonam Dikki Dolma Bhutia further sensitised the participants about the role, responsibilities and functions of the Internal Committee. She explained that the Committee primarily works towards prohibition, prevention and redressal of s*xual harassment, while upholding the principles of respect, dignity, equality and safety. She also discussed the preventive and redressal functions of the Committee, including maintaining confidentiality, ensuring impartiality, following the principles of natural justice and providing an opportunity of hearing to the respondent. The participants were also made aware of the prescribed procedure and timelines for dealing with complaints under the POSH framework.
The main session was thereafter taken up by the Resource Person, Dr. Doma T. Bhutia, on the topic “Brief Overview of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and its Complaint Mechanism.” Dr. Bhutia explained the meaning and scope of s*xual harassment in simple and practical terms. She discussed various forms of s*xual harassment, including physical, verbal, non-verbal and implied conduct, and explained how unwelcome behaviour, requests for s*xual favours, s*xually coloured remarks, inappropriate photographs or pornographic material and other unwelcome conduct may fall within the scope of s*xual harassment depending upon the circumstances.
She emphasised that s*xual harassment is not restricted to a particular room or physical workplace and may occur through different forms of communication, including digital platforms such as WhatsApp and other electronic means, subject to the applicability of the law. She also explained the role of the Internal Committee in conducting an inquiry in accordance with the principles of natural justice and confidentiality. The Resource Person further highlighted that the Internal Committee has certain powers and functions for conducting inquiries and may recommend appropriate action in accordance with the POSH Act and applicable service rules. She also explained that the Committee may guide and assist a complainant regarding appropriate legal remedies, including approaching the police where the facts disclose a criminal offence.
An important aspect of the session was the discussion on false complaints. Dr. Bhutia clarified that a complaint should not be treated as false merely because the complainant is unable to substantiate an allegation or because sufficient evidence is not available. The distinction between a genuinely false complaint and a complaint that could not be proved was explained to the participants.
Dr. Bhutia also stressed the importance of developing awareness regarding gender, gender roles and gender sensitivity from an early stage. She observed that s*xual harassment can affect persons of different genders and that awareness programmes should contribute towards changing social attitudes and promoting mutual respect and dignity among all members of society. The session encouraged participants to look beyond stereotypical assumptions and to understand the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
The Principal, Dr. Dilip Pandey, also addressed the gathering. He highlighted the distinction between s*x and gender and spoke about the need to promote equality and justice in society. He emphasised that equal rights and dignity must be reflected not only in legal principles but also in social practices and everyday behaviour. He referred to instances of unequal treatment of children and stressed that social attitudes and practices need to change according to the principles of equality and contemporary realities. He further observed that men can also experience s*xual harassment and that everyone has a responsibility to maintain respectful conduct towards others. He called for a change in mindset and greater awareness so that harassment can be prevented at its root.
Following the Principal’s address, an Open House Question-and-Answer Session was conducted, providing the participants with an opportunity to interact with the Resource Person and seek clarification on various aspects of s*xual harassment.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, Vice Principal, Sikkim Government Law College. He expressed gratitude to the Resource Person, Dr. Doma T Bhutia maam, for sharing her valuable knowledge and practical insights; the Principal, Dr. Dilip Pandey; Dr. Sonam Diki Dolma Bhutia, Dean of Student Affairs and Convenor of the Internal Committee; Ms. Palmu Kaleon; Dr. Binita Pradhan; Ms. Yankeela Bhutia; and all members and representatives associated with the Internal Committee for their support and contribution to the programme.
He also acknowledged Subham and Adarsh, students of Sikkim Government Law College, for providing technical assistance throughout the programme. He extended his appreciation to all teaching and non-teaching staff and students for their participation and support. Special acknowledgement was also given to all those who worked behind the scenes and contributed to the successful completion of the programme.
Following the conclusion of the programme, lunch was distributed to the Resource Person and the participating teaching and non-teaching staff and students marking the close of the session.
Reported by:
Pritika Chhetri
IX semester
SGLC
