Date: 3-Oct-2025

An awareness session on “Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Preventing Sexual Harassment ”was conducted by Mr. Vishhal Saxxenaa, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, on Friday, 3rd October 2025 at SJCEM Main Auditorium hall. Mr. Saxxenaa is a highly accomplished legal expert, specializing in Criminal Law, Housing Society matters, Property Disputes, and Economic Offences. His academic credentials are as impressive as his professional journey – he is a Chartered Accountant, holds an LL.B. degree, and has also completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management with specialization in Finance.The program was organized for students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff with the objective of creating awareness about the legal, social, and ethical dimensions of sexual harassment and the mechanisms available for redressal.

Highlights of the Session: Mr. Saxxenaa began the session by defining sexual harassment in the context of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). He emphasized that harassment is not limited to physical acts but also includes verbal, non-verbal, and digital misconduct. He discussed various forms of harassment, ranging from inappropriate remarks, gestures, and unwanted attention, to more severe forms of misconduct, thereby broadening the participants’ understanding. The speaker explained the legal framework, rights of victims, responsibilities of institutions, and the role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in addressing complaints. Case laws and real-life examples were shared to highlight how the judiciary has dealt with such issues, stressing the importance of reporting and timely intervention. Mr. Saxxenaa also touched upon preventive measures such as sensitization programs, creating safe spaces, and fostering respectful workplace and academic environments.

Interactive Component: The session included a highly engaging question-and-answer segment, where students and staff raised queries about handling harassment in academic institutions, online spaces, and workplaces. Mr. Saxxenaa responded with practical advice, making the discussion informative and solution-oriented.

Outcome: The session proved to be extremely insightful and empowering. It not only enhanced awareness about legal safeguards but also encouraged participants to adopt a proactive stance in preventing harassment. The emphasis on psychological well-being, dignity, and mutual respect resonated strongly with the audience. Total number of participants were about 675

Conclusion: The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Priya Chaurasiya, acknowledging Mr. Vishhal Saxxenaa’s valuable contribution in guiding the participants toward understanding the seriousness of sexual harassment and the importance of building a safe and inclusive environment.