Karnataka

Shops and Establishment

Direction to all Public and Private Establishments in Karnataka for Immediate Setup of the Internal Complaints Committee for Prevention of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Karnataka published this gazette notification (Gazette ID: karnataka-direction-to-all-public-and-private-establishments-in-karnataka-for-immediate-setup-of-the-internal-complaints-committee) on 2026-08-11, filed under Shops and Establishment. The purpose of this notification is to enforce compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and to prevent and address sexual harassment at workplaces in Karnataka.

Issue Date
Published
Gazette ID karnataka-direction-to-all-public-and-private-establishments-in-karnataka-for-immediate-setup-of-the-internal-complaints-committee
Category Shops and Establishment
Statutory Compliance Summary Compliance Deadline: 2026-08-11

Action Required

All public and private establishments in Karnataka must immediately set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to handle complaints related to workplace sexual harassment. The ICC must comprise of a minimum of four members, including a presiding officer and a member from an NGO or a person familiar with issues related to sexual harassment.

Target Roles:
HR DirectorCompliance OfficerEmployer
Industries Impacted:
All

Statutory Penalty Risk

Up to INR 50,000 as a fine, and may also lead to cancellation of licence or registration of the establishment

Statutes & Rules Amended

  • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
  • Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961

Compliance Impact

Action RequiredAll public and private establishments in Karnataka must immediately set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to handle complaints related to workplace sexual harassment. The ICC must comprise of a minimum of four members, including a presiding officer and a member from an NGO or a person familiar with issues related to sexual harassment.
Compliance Deadline
Statutory PenaltyUp to INR 50,000 as a fine, and may also lead to cancellation of licence or registration of the establishment

Purpose

The purpose of this notification is to enforce compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and to prevent and address sexual harassment at workplaces in Karnataka.

Summary

The Karnataka government has directed all public and private establishments in the state to immediately set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to prevent workplace sexual harassment, as per the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. This move aims to ensure a safe working environment for women employees in all establishments across Karnataka.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ministry issued this gazette notification (karnataka-direction-to-all-public-and-private-establishments-in-karnataka-for-immediate-setup-of-the-internal-complaints-committee)?
Karnataka issued this notification, published on 2026-08-11.
What is Gazette Notification karnataka-direction-to-all-public-and-private-establishments-in-karnataka-for-immediate-setup-of-the-internal-complaints-committee about?
The purpose of this notification is to enforce compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and to prevent and address sexual harassment at workplaces in Karnataka.
Where can I find the official PDF for this notification?
The official notification is published by the respective State Government and is linked directly from this page for your reference and download.
What compliance action is required under Gazette Notification karnataka-direction-to-all-public-and-private-establishments-in-karnataka-for-immediate-setup-of-the-internal-complaints-committee?
All public and private establishments in Karnataka must immediately set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to handle complaints related to workplace sexual harassment. The ICC must comprise of a minimum of four members, including a presiding officer and a member from an NGO or a person familiar with issues related to sexual harassment. The compliance deadline is 2026-08-11.
Who is impacted by Gazette Notification karnataka-direction-to-all-public-and-private-establishments-in-karnataka-for-immediate-setup-of-the-internal-complaints-committee?
This notification primarily targets HR Director, Compliance Officer, Employer across the All sector(s).
What are the statutory penalties for non-compliance with Gazette Notification karnataka-direction-to-all-public-and-private-establishments-in-karnataka-for-immediate-setup-of-the-internal-complaints-committee?
Non-compliance with the provisions of this notification may attract: Up to INR 50,000 as a fine, and may also lead to cancellation of licence or registration of the establishment.