Dirty talk with women could prove costly
Bill to curb workplace sexual abuse wants offenders fined

Men who subject women to lewd and obscene remarks could soon find themselves in serious trouble. The ministry of women and child development (WCD) is preparing the 'Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill' designed to defend women against sexual abuse. The remit of the Bill covers offices, aircraft, restaurants, and homes, among other sites.

The Bill is likely to be tabled in the monsoon session of parliament, but not without controversies. The Bill is facing severe criticism from men's organizations which feel that the law, like the DV Act, may be misused by women to settle scores or to secure personal gains. "After destroying the domestic harmony of people, the government is now planning to destroy the harmony at the workplace," said Swarup Sarkar, the coordinator of Save Family Foundation (SFF), a men's organization. "For instance, an incompetent woman worker who is not promoted can use it as a tool against her boss."

Sarkar said the Bill may also affect women's chances of finding employment. "Men will think twice before recruiting women because of the fear of being framed," he said. The SFF has argued in a representation to the WCD ministry that instead of a sexual harassment bill, the government should bring a cross-gender law to prevent any kind of harassment at workplaces. The men's groups are also opposing the new Bill on the grounds that existing laws, such as those on rape and sexual assault, render any fresh legislation superfluous.

But government officials and women organizations reject that argument. "This law would work as a deterrent and encourage women to work without fear," said Romi Sharma, spokeswoman for the National Commission for Women. "The pitfalls in the law can only be found after it is implemented and changes can be made through amendments."