Workplace Harassment Under the POSH Act: A Comprehensive Psycho-legal Framework Analysis

Workplace harassment poses a significant occupational threat to millions of women worldwide, with severe legal, ethical and psychological consequences. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) provides a comprehensive legal framework addressing this widespread issue. This literature analysis encompasses current studies on the legal and ethical aspects of workplace harassment under the POSH Act while examining evidence-based psychological interventions for survivors. The analysis presents a framework for integrating therapeutic techniques within the legal redressal process. Through systematic review from the Vishaka decision (1997) through 2024, including judicial rulings, policy documents and clinical studies, this research demonstrates that significant legal advancements are accompanied by implementation challenges. The study establishes that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused therapies can be effectively integrated within legal redressal mechanisms. The article advocates for a comprehensive framework incorporating both legal remedies and therapeutic approaches while identifying critical implementation gaps.