1. Preamble:

Maharaja College is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Sexual harassment in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This policy establishes a comprehensive framework for addressing grievances related to sexual harassment, ensuring prompt, fair, and impartial redressal. This policy is grounded in the principles of natural justice, confidentiality, and sensitivity.

2. Objectives:
   • To create a campus free from sexual harassment.
   • To establish a clear and accessible mechanism for addressing complaints of sexual harassment.
   • To ensure prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution of complaints.
   • To provide support and protection to complainants and respondents.
   • To raise awareness about sexual harassment and promote a culture of respect.
   • To comply with all relevant legal requirements and guidelines, including the UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

3. Definition of Sexual Harassment:

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexually determined behavior (whether directly or by implication) such as:

• Physical contact and advances.
• A demand or request for sexual favors.
• Making sexually colored remarks.
• Showing pornography.
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
• Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment or his/her education.
• Implied or explicit threat about her/his present or future employment or education status.
• Interference with her/his work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile learning environment.
• Humiliating treatment likely to affect her/his health or safety.

4. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):

• The college shall constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) as per the UGC Regulations and the Sexual Harassment Act.
• The ICC shall consist of:

• A Presiding Officer (a woman faculty member at a senior level).
• Two faculty members.
• One non-teaching employee.
• Three students(at least 2 female).
• One external member from an NGO or association committed to the cause of women.
  • The ICC shall be responsible for receiving and investigating complaints of sexual harassment and recommending appropriate action.
  • The ICC shall have the power to summon any person related to the case.
  • The ICC shall maintain confidentiality of all proceedings.
  • The ICC shall submit an annual report to the college administration and the relevant authorities.

5. Grievance Redressal Procedure:

• Filing a Complaint:

• Any student, faculty, staff, or visitor who believes they have been subjected to sexual harassment may file a written complaint with the ICC.
• The complaint should include details of the incident(s), including dates, times, locations, and names of individuals involved.
• If the complainant is unable to file a written complaint, they may seek assistance from any ICC member.
  • Preliminary Inquiry:
• Upon receiving a complaint, the ICC shall conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine if there is a prima facie case of sexual harassment.
  • Investigation:
• If a prima facie case is established, the ICC shall conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
• Both the complainant and the respondent shall be given an opportunity to present their case.
• The ICC may interview witnesses and collect relevant evidence.
  • Confidentiality:
• All proceedings of the ICC shall be kept confidential.
  • Timeframe:
• The ICC shall complete the investigation and submit its report within 90 days from the date of receipt of the complaint.
  • Recommendations:
• Based on the investigation, the ICC shall make recommendations for appropriate action to the college administration.
• Recommendations may include:
Warning
Suspension
Termination
Expulsion
Referral to law enforcement
Counseling
Apology
• Appeal:

• Both the complainant and the respondent shall have the right to appeal the decision of the ICC to the appropriate authority as designated by the college administration.
  • Non-Retaliation:
• The college shall ensure that there is no retaliation against any person who files a complaint or participates in an investigation.

6. Zero Tolerance Policy:
   • Maharaja College maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment.
   • Any act of sexual harassment, regardless of its severity, will be dealt with seriously.
   • The college shall take all necessary steps to prevent sexual harassment and create a safe environment.

7. Awareness and Prevention:

• The college shall conduct regular awareness programs and workshops on sexual harassment for students, faculty, and staff.
• The college shall display posters and distribute information materials about the policy and the ICC.
• The college shall include information about sexual harassment in its orientation programs.

8. Support Services:

• The college shall provide support services to complainants, including counseling and legal assistance.
• The college shall also provide support services to respondents, if necessary.

9. Review and Amendment:

• This policy shall be reviewed and amended periodically to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with relevant laws and guidelines.

10. Contact Information:

• Contact information for the ICC shall be prominently displayed on the college website and notice boards.