Employers in the state of Maharashtra (which includes Mumbai & Pune cities) need to be aware of a circular dated May 14, 2026 issued by the state government in respect of compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (“POSH Act”). The circular empowers a wide range of officials, including the District Collectors, officers and employees of the Women and Child Development Commissionerate, Divisional Deputy Commissioners, District Women and Child Development Officers amongst others, to inspect government, semi-government and private establishments to ensure compliance with the law.

The circular prescribes a checklist for the authorities to cover a range of inspection criterion. This includes the adoption and circulation of a POSH policy, constitution of Internal Complaints Committee with prescribed composition, availability of proper complaint channels including the SHe-Box portal, awareness and training mechanisms, process and timeline for investigation, provision of interim relief to the complainant, taking action for misconduct, confidentiality obligations, submission of annual report, appointment of Nodal Officer, besides other obligations of the employer