India: Discrimination, Disability & Sexual Harassment

In this episode of Podcast Bites powered by IndiaLaw LLP, host Pranjal Maheshwari discusses the Bombay High Court’s judgment in Siddhesh Pradeep Satpute v. State Bank of India and Others, pronounced on 16 June 2026.

The Rajasthan High Court examines whether the traditional practice of Atta-Satta—a reciprocal marriage arrangement between families—can override individual consent in marriage. This case explores the intersection of customary practices with fundamental rights, addressing issues of child marriage, matrimonial cruelty, and women's dignity under Indian law.

In December 2025, a Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court comprising of Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury delivered a significant judgment in Airports Authority of India & Ors. vs Praveen VS[1] (WA No. 149 of 2025). The Court clarified the scope of Section 10(4) of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), holding that conciliation under the Act bars only further inquiry by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) or Local Committee, and does not preclude an employer from initiating independent disciplinary proceedings under applicable Service Rules if circumstances so warrant.