Esha Shekhar

Lawyer| ES Law Offices; Advising on creating safe and sexual harassment free workplaces in India; Author:

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

From starting my career as a researcher/journalist on a legal TV show to being invited as an expert on a legal TV show- life definitely finds a way to come full circle.

This week, I got the opportunity, along with my co-panellist, to share my expertise on #POSHAct2013 on @UrduDoordarshan live legal show “Apna Mulk Apna Aeen”.

One thing that stood out for me is how Mr. Nauman Hashmi has led this show with the intent to create awareness about legal topics amongst the audience. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that during every show, there is a toll free number for audience to ask their questions which is also massively used. 

In this hour long episode, we discussed live:
✅ The journey from Vishakha to POSH Act, 2013.
✅ Most important points that every woman should know about POSH Act, 2013
✅ What is ICC and how does it function?
✅ What are the interim measures and final recommendations ICC can pass?
✅ Breaking down the definition of sexual harassment at workplace
✅ Route available for women in unorganised section through Local Complaints Committee

This appearance was particularly special to me. Like many of us, I grew up watching @DDNational, and it holds a nostalgic place in my heart.

What made it even more meaningful was the opportunity to speak in Hindi and break down the nuances of #POSHAct2013 in a language that resonates with a wider audience.

Making the law accessible and relatable (specially in vernacular languages in India) is something I deeply care about, and I am glad for every opportunity that comes my way to be able to do that.

#doordarshan #POSHAct2013 #workplacesafety #WomenAtWork #DiversityAndInclusion #ComplianceMatters #WorkplaceRights #publicspeaking

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

#aboutlastmonth

Honoured to be invited to conduct a series of #POSH session for the officials of Chhattisgarh Mantralaya, organized by @WCDCgGov. Thank you to @shammiabidi ma’am for setting up the context on the importance of #POSHAct and continuing conversations on workplace safety.

The engagement in the sessions was heartening to see as we discussed how can the officers ensure legal compliance of #POSHAct in their respective departments and connected entities.

Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a safer work environment! #WorkplaceSafety #POSHAct

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

Do Public Interest Litigations (#PIL) really bring any change?

In 2017, after months of research, RTIs, and government representations, my then work partner and I filed a PIL *(Initiatives for Inclusion Foundation vs UOI & Ors)* in the #SupremeCourtofIndia under our public trust. We sought urgent directions for implementing key structures under the POSH Act, 2013 #poshact —District Officers, Local Complaints Committees, and compliance mechanisms/activities that had remained largely inactive.

The journey wasn’t easy. While SC took early interest, the matter saw delays, and the pandemic further dimmed hopes. But as I learnt, never say never. With the active push and work of our superb lawyers - senior advocate Sanjay Parikh sir, @Otternyatlaw and their team, the matter again was brought up.

In fact, many people dont know this but 2023 was a seminal year for POSH Act, 2013. In Aureliano Fernandez vs. State of Goa (May 2023), the SC issued key directions for POSH Act implementation. Later, in Initiatives for Inclusion Foundation vs. UOI (October 2023), I sat in court as Justice Ravindra Bhat delivered the judgment in our matter, passing another set of concurrent directions for implementation of POSH Act, 2013.

Then came 2024. SC consolidated both cases and actively monitored implementation. In the last one year, SC actually issued strong orders and governments got serious. A breakthrough moment arrived in August 2024 when Ministry of Women and Child Development informed the SC that they were revamping #shebox with:
✅ An improved UI for women to file workplace sexual harassment complaints.
✅ A dedicated portal for States/UTs to upload District Officers & LCC details.
✅ Plans to include private-sector ICC details in due course.

This week, I saw the actual work at ground level when I was in Raipur, Chhattisgarh conducting state level departments’ ICC trainings. Here, the state WCD department is actively monitoring and uploading compliance data related to the Act (as asked by SC) while setting up banners to sensitize women on how to access this platform.

While She-Box portal is still improving and the fight continues in #SupremeCourtofIndia, seeing the steps materialize in reality is powerful. And to answer the question I started with, I could not have asked for a better start to 2025 than to witness the ground level impact of my PIL and remind myself of the hope and optimism with which I had filed it in the first place.

[First pic: first day of hearing in Jan 2018 in Supreme Court;
Second pic: at the State Ministry building in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Feb 2025]

#POSHAct #AccessToJustice #PublicInterestLitigation #WomenAtWork

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

@AdoptionAction How to attend this session?

[Ramanuj Mukherjee @law_ninja]

On @LawSikho, @harringj75 who helps lawyers to become thought leaders. Very interesting interview, must watch :)

Hosted by @ShekharEsha

https://t.co/fH5fOUDkeP

[Pakchikpak Raja Babu @HaramiParindey]

What always hurts the most. RIP #IrrfanKhan.

[Sanjay Mishra @imsanjaimishra]

में दूर से उस अस्पताल को देख रहा हूं, जिसमें कल तक तुम थे, इतनी सारी खिड़कियां हैं , पता नहीं कौनसी खिड़की से तुम निकल गए ☹️ इस सफर में बहुत कुछ दिया तुमने, आगे सफर में भी बहुत कुछ पाने की उम्मीद हैं तुमसे , फिर मिलेंगे @irrfank bhai 🙏

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

Standing together in solidarity #againstCAA

[Maneka @manekakhanna]

NUJS Alumni Statement in Opposition to the #CAA and in Solidarity with Students Protesting the unconstitutional Act
#CAAProtest

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

@Arorachirag57_ @TataMotors @TataTreo Yes Chirag, unfortunately realised with one purchase. Also coming to know about 100s of ppl who are dissatisfied with @TataMotors services. Specially their authorized dealers like @TataTreo who have been duping ppl. @TataMotors car never again.

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

One would expect better from @TataMotors. For all their talk, customers come last. Toll free no. not working. Worse, no regional offcs nos mentioned on website working. Why so pathetic @TataCompanies @TataMotorsNews @RatanNTata

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

@TataMotors @TataMotors @TataCompanies @RatanNTata - 100s of complaints mentioned against @TataTreo on social media, Google review and no reply from your side. Or even action. Expected better customer support from a company like yours.

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

@TataMotors @TataMotors - DMed you my phone no. Will appreciate a revert. Your authorized dealer @TataTreo is blatantly cheating people, giving them wrong info, not registering their vehicles on time- violating Central Motor Vehicles Rules

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

@TataMotors @TataMotors - DMing you phone number. Will appreciate a revert.

[Esha Shekhar @ShekharEsha]

@TataMotors @TataMotors - location is New Delhi.