By Anuradha Gandhi and Isha Sharma
Introduction:
Sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue in workplaces worldwide, with female employees often bearing the brunt of such misconduct.
As we all are aware that post enactment of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, popularly known as POSH Act, the prevalence of sexual harassment is not confined to only traditional office settings. It extends beyond that to include public spaces like metro stations, where individuals commute on day to day basis.
In this article, we delve into the disturbing trend of sexual harassment case involving female employee at metro station, shedding light on the challenges they face and the urgent need for effective intervention.
Woman security guard faces sexual harassment at Metro:
A recent incident has brought to light a disturbing case of alleged sexual harassment within the Bengaluru Metro Station, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the workplace and the need for effective redressal mechanism. [1]
It has been reported that a woman security guard employed by a private security agency working for Bengaluru Metro has lodged a sexual harassment case at the Subramanya Nagar Police Station against a senior security official of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
The 34-year-old woman, a resident of Dasarahalli, formerly worked for one of the security agencies responsible for Metro Stations on the Purple Line.
The FIR has been filed alleging offences under Sections 354A (sexual harassment involving physical contact, making sexually colored remarks, etc.). Section 504 (intentionally insults another person), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), Section 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of woman) and Section 34 (joint culpability for an act) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
According to the complaint, the alleged incidents of misconduct are said to have occurred between August 01 and October 31, 2023.
The FIR, filed on March 15, 2024 also names the owner of her agency as the second accused for allegedly instructing her to tolerate and cooperate with such misbehavior.
The FIR also cites another woman security guard as an eyewitness to the incidents.
The complaint details highly derogatory words and sexually colored remarks used by the BMRCL Assistant Security Officer while the woman was posted at Rajaji Nagar Metro Station. It further alleges inappropriate touching and constant comments about her body in public.
BMRCL Standpoint:
What is particularly alarming is the woman’s assertion that her complaints to the agency owner went unaddressed and was instead instructed to tolerate such behavior due to the agency’s significant contractual relationship with BMRCL. This underscores the relevance of robust internal mechanism for addressing workplace sexual harassment and protecting employees’ rights.
In response to the allegations, BMRCL sources have voiced support for the accused officer, refuting the allegations by asserting that
“As part of routine shuffling, the woman was posted to a different Metro Station on the Purple Line along with 13 other security staffers. BMRCL had asked the agency to relocate security staff. Only she and another security guard named in the FIR refused to work at the new station. They want to be retained at the previous station only.”
The sources further claimed that the agency had allegedly given her two month to join her new station, but she refused and was eventually terminated. BMRCL contends that the case is a result of the woman’s disgruntlement and frustration.
Conclusion:
Police investigations into the matter are ongoing, shedding light on this concerning issue within the Bengaluru Metro security apparatus and the urgent need to prioritize the well-being and safety of employees and ensure that justice is served.