India: Discrimination, Disability & Sexual Harassment

On May 8, 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Model Standing Orders, 2026 (“Model Standing Orders 2026”) under Section 29(1) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (“IR Code”). The notification supersedes the earlier Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central Rules, 1946 insofar as they related to model standing orders, and prescribes separate model standing orders for the mining, manufacturing and services sectors.

"Being a victim of such a deplorable act not only dents the esteem of a woman but also takes a toll on her emotional, mental, and physical health."

This article is the first in a series of articles exploring the critical gaps in investigations under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 ("PoSH Act").