the goan I network
MARGAO
Reminding the men-in-uniform that the police cannot act sit in judgement, but should play the role of law keepers, Bailancho Ekvott president Auda Viegas has said failure of the police to prepare a watertight case has left many an accused in sexual harassment at work places go scot-free.
She was delivering a talk at an awareness programme organised by the taluka legal services in coordination with Bailancho Ekvott under the aegis of South Goa district Legal Services Authority for the police at the South Goa district police headquarters on Friday.
“When the ingredients in making a foolproof case go missing, the accused charged in a sexual harassment at
work place goes scot-free,” Auda said.
She pointed out that sexual harassment of women at work place does not only mean physical harassment of the victim, but harassment caused with signs, words and other actions. She explained to the police officials that women have been granted constitutional protection in the country by casting responsibility on the authorities to ensure the dignity of women.
“The moment a complaint is filed by a woman, the police cannot sit in judgement saying the victim was seen moving around with the accused. The woman might have gone around with the man in question, but the moment she does not want him and the man continues to harass her, it amounts to harassment,” she said.
Auda later told the media that the taluka legal services has embarked on an awareness programme amongst the police officials given that the law on sexual harassment against women at work places is a relatively new Act.
She further informed that women who cannot afford to engage a lawyer due to her financial condition is entitled for legal aid under the new law without submitting any documents, including an income certificate.
