What is Harassment

Section 2(h) of the Act, 2010 defines “harassment” as any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors or other verbal or written communication or physical conduct of a sexual nature or sexually demeaning attitudes, causing interference with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or the attempt to punish the complainant for refusal to comply to such a request or is made a condition for employment.”

This definition of harassment can be explained as follows:

Unwelcome Sexual Advance

Any unwelcome sexual advance causing interference with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or the attempt to punish the complainant for refusal to comply to such a request or is made a condition for employment.

Request for Sexual Favors

Request for sexual favors causing interference with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or the attempt to punish the complainant for refusal to comply to such a request or is made a condition for employment.

Verbal or Written Communication of a Sexual Nature

Verbal or written communication of a sexual nature  causing interference with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment,or the attempt to punish the complainant for refusal to comply to such a requestor is made a condition for employment;

Physical Conduct of a Sexual Nature

Physical conduct of a sexual nature causing interference with work performance  or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or the attempt to punish the complainant for refusal to comply to such a request or is made a condition for employment.

Sexually Demeaning Attitude

Sexually demeaning attitude causing interference with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or the attempt to punish the complainant for refusal to comply to such a request or is made a condition for employment.