Supreme Court Permits Withdrawal of Petition on POSH Act and Women Political Workers

Quick Summary

• Date: August 1, 2025
• Event: The Supreme Court allowed petitioner MG Yogamaya to withdraw a petition challenging the exclusion of women political workers from protections under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (POSH Act), 2013.
• Key Arguments in Petition:

– Contended that excluding women in politics lacked rational justification.
– Advocated expanding the definitions of ‘workplace’ and ’employer’ under the POSH Act to include political settings.
– Highlighted that grassroots-level women political workers remain vulnerable to sexual exploitation without proper legal remedies.

• Decision: A Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai stated that necessary steps could be taken per law after withdrawal.

Indian Opinion analysis

The withdrawal of this petition raises questions regarding the legal frameworkS inclusiveness under the POSH Act, especially for women in traditionally male-dominated professions like politics. While workplace protections have advanced substantially since 2013, excluding women political workers leaves a critical segment unprotected against harassment risks inherent to campaign work and grassroots activities.

this issue has potential meaning for India’s gender equity agenda; addressing it would align lawmaking with its broader claim of ensuring protection across professional scenarios without discrimination. The acknowledgment by senior advocates highlights growing awareness about gaps in existing legislation concerning informal or nonconventional workplaces such as politics.

It will be crucial for lawmakers and civil society organizations to further deliberate on weather laws like POSH require contextual updates based on evolving workforce dynamics.

Image Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma | “A view of Supreme Court, New Delhi”

Read more: The Hindu