Mandatory SHe-Box Registration

Introduction

The SC landmark judgement under Vishaka Vs. State of Rajasthan (1997) gave birth to the Sexual Harassment at Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The Act gives a comprehensive legal framework for addressing sexual harassment at the workplace and developed a redressal mechanism to address complaints as well. This Act is unique in its broad coverage which includes all women irrespective of their work status, whether working in organised or unorganised, public or private sectors, regardless of hierarchy. The domestic workers are also included within its ambit. It defines sexual harassment at the workplace in a comprehensive manner, to cover circumstances of implied or explicit promise or threat to a woman employment prospects or creation of hostile work environment or humiliating treatment, which can affect her health or safety.

Ultimate Breakthrough in SH Act

The Hon’ble Apex court has released a guideline in the Aureliano Fernandes Vs. State of Goa & Ors. urged the State Government to introduced an online complaint management system “SHe-BOX (Sexual Harassment Electronic Box)” for ensuring complaints related to workplace sexual harassment and to provide a single window access to every woman working in organised or unorganised, private or public sector.

The bench also issued the following directions:

1. Appointment of District Officers: All States/UTs must appoint District Magistrates, Collectors, or equivalent officers as District Officers, to oversee the implementation of the Act.
2. Constitution of Local Committees: Local Committees must be constituted in districts, particularly in areas lacking ICs due to workplaces with fewer than ten employees or cases involving the employer.
3. Implementation of ICs: Both State and Central Government entities must establish or reconstitute ICs, ensuring their presence in all departments, instrumentalities, and public sector undertakings.
4. Facilitating Complaints via Legal Services Institutions: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was commended for its efforts in providing three pathways for aggrieved women to seek assistance.
5. Appointment of Nodal officer: who will ensure that portal operates smoothly and serves intended purpose. To play as a bridge for the employer, the IC/LC and the compliant in their respective workplaces by ensuring timely action on the complaints and regular updation of data on the portal.

Supreme Court Ruling in Aureliano Fernandes v. State of Goa & Others

What is the Purpose of the SHe-BOX Portal?

The new portal is a unique initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development to provide a publicly available centralised repository of information related to Internal Committees and Local Committees formed across the country, whether in government or private sector. The portal also provides a common platform to file complaints and track the status of such complaints.

The main objective of SHe-BOX is to ensure a safe and secure work environment for women. It aims to:

• Facilitate the prompt and effective redressal of complaints related to sexual harassment.
• Strengthen the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
• Promote awareness and accountability among employers regarding workplace safety for women.

Features of SHe-BOX:

• Available to all working women across India, including both government and private sector employees.
• It allows for real-time tracking of complaints, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Women can file complaints directly online without fear of retaliation.
• The portal is so designed that it masks the details of the complainant to maintain confidentiality. Except the Chairperson of the IC/ LC.
• Time prescribed under the Act for inquiry is 90 days.
• Provides a publicly available centralised repository of information related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) constituted at various workplaces, across the country.

How Do Companies Register on the SHe-BOX Portal?

1. Registering the Head Office: The company’s head office needs to be registered, and a nodal officer needs to be nominated.
2. Details to be submitted: The registration form requires details like the company’s name, address, contact information, and the nodal officer’s details (name, designation, contact information).
3. Verification from DNO (District Nodal Officer): The submitted information is verified by the District Nodal Officer (DNO).

After verification DNO grants login credential to the company’s Nodal Officer, wherein he can add details of branches and members of the Internal Committee.

Manual Link – Private Head Office User Manual

How to Register a Compliant on SHe-BOX?

To register a complaint on the SHe-Box portal, visit the SHe-Box website, click “Register Your Complaint,” select either “Government Employee” or “Private Employee”, fill out the form with the required information, submit it, and then confirm your email to create a password. You can then track your complaint’s status using your email and the generated password.

To register a complaint on the SHe-BOX portal:

1. Visit http://shebox.nic.in
2. Click on “Register Your Complaint”
3. Fill in the required details:
   • Personal and workplace information
   • Description of the incident
4. Upload any supporting documents (optional)
5. Submit the complaint

Manual Link – She-Box Central Govt. Complainant User Manual

If the Internal Committee (IC) and Local Committee (LC) of the aggrieved woman is registered on the portal, the complaint will be automatically submitted and forwarded to the Internal Committee (IC) and Local Committee (LC) concerned.

In case, the Internal Committee (IC) of her workplace is not registered on the portal, the portal provides for an online process to obtain details of that workplace from the complainant and inform the State Nodal Officer and District Nodal Officer of the State / UT and district concerned to ensure early registration of that Internal Committee (IC).

Conclusion

SHe-BOX represents a significant step toward gender justice and workplace safety in India. By streamlining complaint management and promoting transparency, it empowers women to report workplace misconduct without fear, backed by legal and institutional support.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content of this article is not intended to create and receipt of it does not constitute any relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.