In a significant hearing on Monday, the Supreme Court of India pulled up several States and Union Territories for failing to file compliance reports under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
The matter was heard in Aureliano Fernandes vs. State of Goa & Ors. before a Bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan.
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Background of the Case
The case concerns nationwide implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 - a law that requires workplaces to set up Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) and appoint District and Nodal Officers to handle complaints.
Earlier, the Court had directed all States and Union Territories to submit affidavits showing compliance.
However, the Amicus Curiae informed the Court that several States, including Goa, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and others, had not yet filed their compliance affidavits.
Court’s Observations
The Bench noted the delay and granted what it called a “final” four weeks for the pending States and UTs to file their affidavits.
The Court also addressed concerns raised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). It was pointed out that Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli had not shared details of District Officers appointed under the 2013 Act.
Granting two weeks for submission of these details, the Bench directed, “The respective States and Union Territories are directed to indicate the names of the officers along with their details.”
The Court further asked that the information be shared with NALSA and uploaded on its website for public access.
Decision
The Supreme Court granted four weeks for filing compliance affidavits and two weeks for submitting details of District and Nodal Officers. The matter is now listed for hearing on March 17, 2026.
Case Title: Aureliano Fernandes vs. State of Goa & Ors.
Case No.: MA Diary No. 22553/2023 (Arising out of C.A. No. 2482/2014)
Case Type: Miscellaneous Application
Decision Date: 10 February 2026
