Supreme Court Issues Notice on Demand for Sexual Harassment Panels in Bar Councils

The Supreme Court sought responses from the BCI and the Central government on a plea by lawyer Seema Joshi seeking the application of the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act (PoSH) to practising lawyers.

The plea challenged the Bombay HC’s refusal to mandate permanent Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) under the PoSH Act in Bar Councils, which the HC limited to employer-employee relationships.

The SC noted doubts about a PIL under Article 32 challenging this order and asked for formal responses.

The plea argues the ruling denies women advocates constitutional protection and seeks gender-just redressal in Bar Councils and associations