The High Court has directed the Director of Panchayats to conduct a thorough inspection of all village panchayats in the state to determine their employee headcount under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
The High Court observed that an affidavit earlier filed by the Director of Panchayats failed to specify which panchayats are required to constitute an Internal Committee (IC) under the POSH Act, and which panchayats fall within the jurisdiction of a Local Committee (LC).
During the hearing, petitioner Sharlet Fernandes, who appeared in person, strongly disputed the claim that the Village Panchayat of Majorda-Utorda employs fewer than 10 people. She placed on record a list showing at least 15 workers, including contractual staff, engaged by the local body.
Under the POSH Act, any workplace employing 10 or more people is legally required to constitute an Internal Committee. The Court noted that if Fernandes’s contention is accepted, the Majorda-Utorda Panchayat would be in direct breach of the law and liable to penalties for failing to constitute an IC.
Addressing gaps in the State’s submission, the Court emphasised that the POSH Act defines “employee” broadly, encompassing daily-wage earners, ad hoc staff, regular and temporary employees, and contract workers working under the control of the principal employer.
The High Court has ordered the Director of Panchayats to inspect the books of accounts, muster rolls, and official registers of every panchayat office in Goa to ascertain the accurate number of employees. For bodies falling below the 10-employee threshold, the Director must outline the measures taken to bring them within the jurisdiction of the Local Committee.
Directing the Director of Panchayats to file a comprehensive compliance affidavit by November 30, 2026, the High Court has posted the matter for further directions on December 2, 2026.
