POSH Act Compliance: SHe-Box portal now Became Mandatory

POSH Act Compliance: SHe-Box portal now Became Mandatory.  
POSH or protection of women from sexual harassment at workplace 2013 is a law in India which protect women from sexual harassment at workplace. It mandates every private or governmental organization who have more than ten employees must have an internal complaint committee which has to listen to the complaint of the sexual harassment. It’s like internal complain committee provide structure and confidential process for addressing the complaints.
Its main objective is to prohibit and prevent sexual harassment at workplace its all about giving them a comfort and safe place to work.
Recently Delhi government has recently mandates registration of SHe-Box portal under the POSH Act for all public sector undertakings, Private organization and their subordinate officers via public notice dated June 12, 2025.
What is SHe- Box?
The SHe-Box portal was launched by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2017.It is a centralized online platform which is design to help women to file a complaint of sexual harassment at workplace through online mechanism. Through this portal a women can easily file a complaint regarding the sexual harassment by online means and the action will be taken on every complaint. What makes SHe-Box so useful is that it brings everything together in one place from details about Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) to the actual complaint process making it simpler and less intimidating for women to report issues.
Purpose of the SHe-Box Portal
The Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe-Box) is a Government of India initiative launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). It is designed to create a more responsive, transparent, and accountable system for reporting and redressing workplace sexual harassment complaints. Below are the core purposes and their detailed elaboration:
Seamless Complaint Filing
The portal allows any woman whether employed in the public or private sector, and in organized or unorganized workplaces to file a complaint of sexual harassment with just a few clicks. Once submitted, the complaint is automatically routed to the appropriate Internal Committee (IC) or Local Committee (LC), depending on the organization’s structure and the nature of the complaint.
 Many women hesitate to report sexual harassment due to lack of clarity on where to go, fear of retaliation, or procedural confusion. SHe-Box removes this barrier by acting as a centralized, easy-to-use reporting mechanism that ensures swift and direct submission of complaints.
Confidential Handling of Complaints
All complaints filed on SHe-Box are handled confidentially. The portal is designed so that only the designated IC or LC receives the details of a case no information is made public or displayed on the portal.
Fear of social stigma, reputational harm, or professional backlash often prevents women from speaking up. Ensuring privacy and discretion encourages more women to come forward and report misconduct without fear.
Centralized Tracking and Monitoring
The portal allows for real-time monitoring of the complaint’s status. Nodal Officers appointed by organizations and government authorities can track how complaints are being handled, whether timelines are being followed, and whether the case has been resolved.
 Real-time tracking enhances transparency and accountability in the redressal process. It ensures that complaints don’t get “lost” in bureaucracy or face unnecessary delays.
Standardized POSH Compliance
SHe-Box isn’t just a complaints portal it also functions as a compliance management tool. Organizations can:

File their annual POSH compliance reports

Upload details of employee awareness sessions and IC training programs

Monitor complaint handling through the Presiding Officer’s login

This promotes a uniform national standard for implementing the PoSH Act and helps organizations meet their legal obligations. It also assists regulatory bodies in evaluating whether employers are taking workplace safety seriously.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
By creating a centralized database of all registered ICs and complaints filed, the portal brings greater oversight and visibility to workplace harassment cases. Following the Supreme Court's directions in the Aureliano Fernandes judgment (2024), registration of ICs on the SHe-Box portal is being increasingly mandated by various authorities, making compliance visible and enforceable.
 Previously, lack of oversight led to poor implementation of the POSH Act. With SHe-Box, there is institutional pressure on organizations to stay compliant, Act quickly on complaints, and ensure justice is not denied.
Aureliano Fernandes vs State of Goa and others
Facts
Mr. Aureliano Fernandes is the Appellant in this case and he had joined the Goa University in the year 1996 as Temporary staff but he got permanent in the same department that was Department of Political Science in year 2003.
In year 2009 nine complaints of sexual harassment were submitted to the University in the same day. The university formed a complaints committee to investigate. Fernandes claimed he was being framed and that committee members were biased. He missed hearings, claimed health issues, and asked for a lawyer to represent him (which was denied). The committee proceeded ex parte (without him) and recommended his termination, which the university accepted. His service was terminated permanently in May 2010.He challenged the action in Bombay High Court, which upheld the university’s decision. Fernandes appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing natural justice was not followed. 
Issue Raised

Whether the inquiry conducted by the complaints committee of Goa University is against ‘the principles of natural justice’ and other rules listed?

Whether the committee is justified in proceeding with ex part against the appellant?

Supreme Court Judgment
Supreme Court Said that he committee did not follow the “as far as practicable” standard under Rule 14 of CCS CCA Rules.It acted in a biased and hurried manner and did not give enough chance to Fernandes. The termination was quashed. The case was sent back to the complaints committee to resume the inquiry from May 5, 2009.Fernandes must be given a fair opportunity to defend himself.
Supreme Court Guidelines on POSH
Verification of Committees by Government Bodies
The Supreme Court directed that the Union Government, all State Governments, and Union Territories must conduct a time-bound verification exercise. This is to ensure that Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) have been properly constituted in all ministries, departments, public sector undertakings, government organizations, institutions, and bodies. The composition of these committees must be in strict compliance with the provisions of the POSH Act.
Public Disclosure of Committee Details
The Court further emphasized that authorities must publish comprehensive information regarding ICs and LCs on their official websites. This includes details such as:

Composition of the committee,

Contact information and email IDs of designated members,

Procedure for filing online complaints,

Related policies, rules, and internal guidelines.
 The information must be made easily accessible to the public and updated regularly.

Training of Committee Members
Authorities and employers were also directed to take immediate steps to train committee members. The training should cover their responsibilities and procedures for handling complaints—from the moment a grievance is received until the inquiry concludes and the final report is submitted. This step is vital to ensure fair and effective inquiry processes.
Regular Awareness and Capacity-Building Initiatives
Lastly, the Court instructed all organizations to regularly conduct awareness and educational programs. These may include:

Orientation sessions,

Workshops,

Seminars,

Awareness drives for both committee members and women employees.
 These initiatives aim to promote understanding of the POSH Act, its rules, and to foster a safer, more inclusive workplace culture.

Mandatory registration on SHE-Box
The hon’ble Supreme Court in this judgment passed direction that it is necessary for all the entities to ensure that the required information or details of their Nodal Officers and Internal committee are uploaded on the She-Box as per the provision of the POSH Act.
Registration of Internal committee on SHe- Box
Part 1: Registration of Head Office and Nodal Officer
Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Documents
Before beginning the process, keep the following documents ready (in PDF, DOCX, or JPG/PNG format):

Company Registration Certificate OR

GST Registration Certificate OR

PAN Card of the Organization

Also, ensure that the Nodal Officer is available during the process to verify OTP on email.
Step 2: Visit the Portal
Go to the official SHe-Box portal:
  https://shebox.wcd.gov.in
Click on "Private Head Office Registration" or “Government Head Office Registration” as applicable.
Step 3: Fill Head Office Information
Enter:

Name of the Organization

Address, State, District, Sub-District, and Pincode

Organization's official Email ID & Mobile Number

Upload one of the required documents

Step 4: Enter Nodal Officer Details
The Nodal Officer is the representative authorized to coordinate POSH compliance through the portal. The Nodal Officer should not be an IC member due to system restrictions (dual login isn’t allowed).
Provide:

Name & Designation

Address, Email, Mobile

Upload official details

Step 5: Submit the Form
Enter the captcha code, review all entries, and submit.
 Take a screenshot before and after submission for your records.
Part 1(a): Notify District Nodal Officer (Optional)
Once the form is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.
 Forward this email (PDF copy) to your District Nodal Officer (DNO) for verification.
The DNO's email is available on the SHe-Box portal or in your confirmation email.
Part 2: Registration of Branches and IC Members
After the DNO verifies your registration, login credentials are sent to the Nodal Officer’s email.
Using these credentials:
Log into the Portal
Use the link and credentials received via email.
Add Organization Branches
If your organization has multiple branches/offices, add each branch with relevant details.
Add Internal Committee (IC) Members
Fill in details of:

Presiding Officer (Senior woman employee)

At least two members from within the organization

One external member (NGO or person familiar with women’s issues)

Note: Include each member’s name, designation, contact number, and email ID.
Part 3: Presiding Officer Login Setup
Once IC member details are added:

The Presiding Officer (IC Chairperson) will receive separate login credentials.

Using this login, the Presiding Officer can:

Monitor complaints

Upload awareness/training records

Submit annual compliance reports

Other Compliance Related to SHe-Box Portal
Once registered, organizations can also:

Upload Annual POSH Reports

Share records of Employee Awareness Programs

Add IC Training Details

Track and monitor POSH complaints confidentially

Conclusion
The SHe-Box portal has now emerged as a cornerstone in ensuring effective implementation of the POSH Act, 2013. By making registration on the portal mandatory, especially in light of the recent directives issued by the Delhi Government and the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the Aureliano Fernandes case, the government is strengthening its commitment to creating safer and more inclusive workplaces for women across India.
Organizations must not only constitute Internal Committees (ICs) but also ensure they are duly registered on the SHe-Box portal and equipped to handle complaints in a fair, confidential, and timely manner. The platform not only simplifies the process of filing sexual harassment complaints but also increases transparency, accountability, and standardization in POSH compliance.
As workplace safety becomes a non-negotiable priority, timely compliance with SHe-Box registration and regular training, awareness, and reporting initiatives will be critical for all employers. Proactive engagement with the portal is not merely a legal requirement it is a moral and organizational responsibility towards building a respectful, secure, and empowering environment for all women at work. 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is SHe-Box?
Ans. SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment Electronic Box) is an online complaint portal launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for women to report workplace sexual harassment in both public and private sectors.
Q2. Is SHe-Box registration mandatory?
Ans. Yes, following recent Supreme Court directions and government circulars, registration on the SHe-Box portal is now being made mandatory for organizations with 10 or more employees.
Q3. Who can file a complaint on SHe-Box?
Ans. Any woman, whether working in the public or private sector, organized or unorganized workforce, can file a complaint of sexual harassment through the portal.
Q4. What happens after a complaint is filed on SHe-Box?
Ans. The complaint is forwarded to the concerned Internal Committee (IC) or Local Committee (LC), depending on the organization, for inquiry and redressal.
Q5. What is the role of the Nodal Officer in SHe-Box registration?
Ans. The Nodal Officer registers the organization and its IC on the portal, coordinates administrative tasks, and ensures all compliance details are properly updated.
Q6. Can the Nodal Officer also be a member of the Internal Committee?
Ans. No. Due to technical limitations, the same individual cannot be both the Nodal Officer and an IC member on the portal.
Q7. What are the documents needed for SHe-Box registration?
Ans. Organizations need one of the following: Company Registration Certificate, PAN, or GST certificate.
Q8. What information about the IC needs to be uploaded?
Ans. Names, designations, contact numbers, and email IDs of all IC members, including the Presiding Officer, must be uploaded.
Q9. What are the key functions of the SHe-Box portal apart from complaint handling?
Ans. Organizations can upload:

Annual POSH Reports

IC training records

Awareness program details

Monitor complaint resolution

Q10. Is the complaint information on SHe-Box public?
Ans. No. All complaints are confidential and only accessible to the designated IC or LC.

POSH or protection of women from sexual harassment at workplace 2013 is a law in India which protect women from sexual harassment at workplace. It mandates every private or governmental organization who have more than ten employees must have an internal complaint committee which has to listen to the complaint of the sexual harassment. It’s like internal complain committee provide structure and confidential process for addressing the complaints.

Its main objective is to prohibit and prevent sexual harassment at workplace its all about giving them a comfort and safe place to work.

Recently Delhi government has recently mandates registration of SHe-Box portal under the POSH Act for all public sector undertakings, Private organization and their subordinate officers via public notice dated June 12, 2025.

What is SHe- Box?

The SHe-Box portal was launched by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2017.It is a centralized online platform which is design to help women to file a complaint of sexual harassment at workplace through online mechanism. Through this portal a women can easily file a complaint regarding the sexual harassment by online means and the action will be taken on every complaint. What makes SHe-Box so useful is that it brings everything together in one place from details about Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) to the actual complaint process making it simpler and less intimidating for women to report issues.

Purpose of the SHe-Box Portal

The Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe-Box) is a Government of India initiative launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). It is designed to create a more responsive, transparent, and accountable system for reporting and redressing workplace sexual harassment complaints. Below are the core purposes and their detailed elaboration:

Seamless Complaint Filing

The portal allows any woman whether employed in the public or private sector, and in organized or unorganized workplaces to file a complaint of sexual harassment with just a few clicks. Once submitted, the complaint is automatically routed to the appropriate Internal Committee (IC) or Local Committee (LC), depending on the organization’s structure and the nature of the complaint.

Many women hesitate to report sexual harassment due to lack of clarity on where to go, fear of retaliation, or procedural confusion. SHe-Box removes this barrier by acting as a centralized, easy-to-use reporting mechanism that ensures swift and direct submission of complaints.

Confidential Handling of Complaints

All complaints filed on SHe-Box are handled confidentially. The portal is designed so that only the designated IC or LC receives the details of a case no information is made public or displayed on the portal.

Fear of social stigma, reputational harm, or professional backlash often prevents women from speaking up. Ensuring privacy and discretion encourages more women to come forward and report misconduct without fear.

Centralized Tracking and Monitoring

The portal allows for real-time monitoring of the complaint’s status. Nodal Officers appointed by organizations and government authorities can track how complaints are being handled, whether timelines are being followed, and whether the case has been resolved.

Real-time tracking enhances transparency and accountability in the redressal process. It ensures that complaints don’t get “lost” in bureaucracy or face unnecessary delays.

Standardized POSH Compliance

SHe-Box isn’t just a complaints portal it also functions as a compliance management tool. Organizations can:

Register their Internal Committees (ICs)
File their annual POSH compliance reports
Upload details of employee awareness sessions and IC training programs
Monitor complaint handling through the Presiding Officer’s login

Promoting Transparency and Accountability

By creating a centralized database of all registered ICs and complaints filed, the portal brings greater oversight and visibility to workplace harassment cases. Following the Supreme Court's directions in the Aureliano Fernandes judgment (2024), registration of ICs on the SHe-Box portal is being increasingly mandated by various authorities, making compliance visible and enforceable.

Previously, lack of oversight led to poor implementation of the POSH Act. With SHe-Box, there is institutional pressure on organizations to stay compliant, Act quickly on complaints, and ensure justice is not denied.

Aureliano Fernandes vs State of Goa and others

Facts

Mr. Aureliano Fernandes is the Appellant in this case and he had joined the Goa University in the year 1996 as Temporary staff but he got permanent in the same department that was Department of Political Science in year 2003.

In year 2009 nine complaints of sexual harassment were submitted to the University in the same day. The university formed a complaints committee to investigate. Fernandes claimed he was being framed and that committee members were biased. He missed hearings, claimed health issues, and asked for a lawyer to represent him (which was denied). The committee proceeded ex parte (without him) and recommended his termination, which the university accepted. His service was terminated permanently in May 2010.He challenged the action in Bombay High Court, which upheld the university’s decision. Fernandes appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing natural justice was not followed.

Issue Raised

Whether the inquiry conducted by the complaints committee of Goa University is against ‘the principles of natural justice’ and other rules listed?
Whether the committee is justified in proceeding with ex part against the appellant?

Supreme Court Judgment

Supreme Court Said that he committee did not follow the “as far as practicable” standard under Rule 14 of CCS CCA Rules.It acted in a biased and hurried manner and did not give enough chance to Fernandes. The termination was quashed. The case was sent back to the complaints committee to resume the inquiry from May 5, 2009.Fernandes must be given a fair opportunity to defend himself.

Supreme Court Guidelines on POSH

Verification of Committees by Government Bodies

The Supreme Court directed that the Union Government, all State Governments, and Union Territories must conduct a time-bound verification exercise. This is to ensure that Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) have been properly constituted in all ministries, departments, public sector undertakings, government organizations, institutions, and bodies. The composition of these committees must be in strict compliance with the provisions of the POSH Act.

Public Disclosure of Committee Details

The Court further emphasized that authorities must publish comprehensive information regarding ICs and LCs on their official websites. This includes details such as:

Composition of the committee,
Contact information and email IDs of designated members,
Procedure for filing online complaints,
Related policies, rules, and internal guidelines.

The information must be made easily accessible to the public and updated regularly.

Training of Committee Members

Authorities and employers were also directed to take immediate steps to train committee members. The training should cover their responsibilities and procedures for handling complaints—from the moment a grievance is received until the inquiry concludes and the final report is submitted. This step is vital to ensure fair and effective inquiry processes.

Regular Awareness and Capacity-Building Initiatives

Lastly, the Court instructed all organizations to regularly conduct awareness and educational programs. These may include:

Orientation sessions,
Workshops,
Seminars,
Awareness drives for both committee members and women employees.

These initiatives aim to promote understanding of the POSH Act, its rules, and to foster a safer, more inclusive workplace culture.

Mandatory registration on SHE-Box

The hon’ble Supreme Court in this judgment passed direction that it is necessary for all the entities to ensure that the required information or details of their Nodal Officers and Internal committee are uploaded on the She-Box as per the provision of the POSH Act.

Registration of Internal committee on SHe- Box

Part 1: Registration of Head Office and Nodal Officer

Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Documents

Before beginning the process, keep the following documents ready (in PDF, DOCX, or JPG/PNG format):

Company Registration Certificate OR
GST Registration Certificate OR
PAN Card of the Organization

Also, ensure that the Nodal Officer is available during the process to verify OTP on email.

Step 2: Visit the Portal

Go to the official SHe-Box portal:

https://shebox.wcd.gov.in

Click on "Private Head Office Registration" or “Government Head Office Registration” as applicable.

Step 3: Fill Head Office Information

Enter:

Name of the Organization
Address, State, District, Sub-District, and Pincode
Organization's official Email ID & Mobile Number
Upload one of the required documents

Step 4: Enter Nodal Officer Details

The Nodal Officer is the representative authorized to coordinate POSH compliance through the portal. The Nodal Officer should not be an IC member due to system restrictions (dual login isn’t allowed).

Provide:

Name & Designation
Address, Email, Mobile
Upload official details

Step 5: Submit the Form

Enter the captcha code, review all entries, and submit.

Take a screenshot before and after submission for your records.

Part 1(a): Notify District Nodal Officer (Optional)

Once the form is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.

Forward this email (PDF copy) to your District Nodal Officer (DNO) for verification.

The DNO's email is available on the SHe-Box portal or in your confirmation email.

Part 2: Registration of Branches and IC Members

After the DNO verifies your registration, login credentials are sent to the Nodal Officer’s email.

Using these credentials:

Log into the Portal

Use the link and credentials received via email.

Add Organization Branches

If your organization has multiple branches/offices, add each branch with relevant details.

Add Internal Committee (IC) Members

Fill in details of:

Presiding Officer (Senior woman employee)
At least two members from within the organization
One external member (NGO or person familiar with women’s issues)

Note: Include each member’s name, designation, contact number, and email ID.

Part 3: Presiding Officer Login Setup

Once IC member details are added:

The Presiding Officer (IC Chairperson) will receive separate login credentials.
Using this login, the Presiding Officer can:

Monitor complaints
Upload awareness/training records
Submit annual compliance reports

Other Compliance Related to SHe-Box Portal

Once registered, organizations can also:

Upload Annual POSH Reports
Share records of Employee Awareness Programs
Add IC Training Details
Track and monitor POSH complaints confidentially

Conclusion

The SHe-Box portal has now emerged as a cornerstone in ensuring effective implementation of the POSH Act, 2013. By making registration on the portal mandatory, especially in light of the recent directives issued by the Delhi Government and the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the Aureliano Fernandes case, the government is strengthening its commitment to creating safer and more inclusive workplaces for women across India.

Organizations must not only constitute Internal Committees (ICs) but also ensure they are duly registered on the SHe-Box portal and equipped to handle complaints in a fair, confidential, and timely manner. The platform not only simplifies the process of filing sexual harassment complaints but also increases transparency, accountability, and standardization in POSH compliance.

As workplace safety becomes a non-negotiable priority, timely compliance with SHe-Box registration and regular training, awareness, and reporting initiatives will be critical for all employers. Proactive engagement with the portal is not merely a legal requirement it is a moral and organizational responsibility towards building a respectful, secure, and empowering environment for all women at work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is SHe-Box?

Ans. SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment Electronic Box) is an online complaint portal launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for women to report workplace sexual harassment in both public and private sectors.

Q2. Is SHe-Box registration mandatory?

Ans. Yes, following recent Supreme Court directions and government circulars, registration on the SHe-Box portal is now being made mandatory for organizations with 10 or more employees.

Q3. Who can file a complaint on SHe-Box?

Ans. Any woman, whether working in the public or private sector, organized or unorganized workforce, can file a complaint of sexual harassment through the portal.

Q4. What happens after a complaint is filed on SHe-Box?

Ans. The complaint is forwarded to the concerned Internal Committee (IC) or Local Committee (LC), depending on the organization, for inquiry and redressal.

Q5. What is the role of the Nodal Officer in SHe-Box registration?

Ans. The Nodal Officer registers the organization and its IC on the portal, coordinates administrative tasks, and ensures all compliance details are properly updated.

Q6. Can the Nodal Officer also be a member of the Internal Committee?

Ans. No. Due to technical limitations, the same individual cannot be both the Nodal Officer and an IC member on the portal.

Q7. What are the documents needed for SHe-Box registration?

Ans. Organizations need one of the following: Company Registration Certificate, PAN, or GST certificate.

Q8. What information about the IC needs to be uploaded?

Ans. Names, designations, contact numbers, and email IDs of all IC members, including the Presiding Officer, must be uploaded.

Q9. What are the key functions of the SHe-Box portal apart from complaint handling?

Ans. Organizations can upload: