Goonj – India Law Blog & Insights on Society and Spirituality

POSH ACCOUNTABILITY REDEFINED: ARE YOUR RECORDS READY FOR JUDICIAL AUDIT? The post-enactment phase of India's Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 ( POSH Act ) marks a decisive transition — from simple compliance to structural transparency and stringent enforcement . This evolution is being driven by significant interventions across legal, judicial, and digital domains. LEGAL & CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY: MANDATORY DISCLOSURES The most impactful shift in corporate governance is the move towards mandatory, data-driven POSH disclosures at the board level. Earlier Compliance Companies were often only required to make a one-line statement confirming the constitution of an Internal Committee (IC) in their Directors’ Report under the Companies Act, 2013. The Shift to Transparency Amendments by the Ministry ofCorporate Affairs (MCA) now mandate detailed disclosures in the Board’s Report — requiring specific data po...

ANCIENT RIGHTS, MODERN REALITIES – THE RURAL WOMAN’S TIME WRAP International Day of Rural Women – 15th October Introduction The International Day of Rural Women is an annual observance by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)   to recognize the critical role and contribution of rural women and girls in global development. It is observed every year on 15 October since 2008 . This day is dedicated to elevating and celebrating the indispensable role of rural women and girls in the world’s economy, food systems, and resilience efforts. It serves as a forceful reminder that sustainable development, food security, and poverty eradication cannot be achieved without their full, equal participation and empowerment. Role and Significance Across the planet, these women act as primary drivers of agricultural production , custodians of traditional knowledge , and frontline managers of natural resources , yet they disproportionately bear the burden of poverty, inequality, and climate ch...

🌸 International Daughters’ Day 2025 – Celebrate Love, Empowerment & Equality 🌍 Introduction Every year, the fourth Sunday of September is celebrated as International Daughters’ Day . In 2025, it falls on 28th September , a day dedicated to appreciating the love, care, and strength daughters bring to our lives. This celebration is a reminder to break gender stereotypes, promote equality, and create a world where daughters are cherished, respected, and empowered . 📖 History & Significance The origin of Daughters’ Day comes from the need to counter gender discrimination in societies where girls were undervalued. Initially, it began as a movement to value daughters equally as sons . Today, it is observed globally as a celebration of love, empowerment, and gender equality. 👉 In India , daughters are culturally revered as a form of Goddess Lakshmi , representing prosperity and happiness. Related Blog: [ Why Education for Girls is the Key to Equality ] 💖 Why...

👶 Surrogacy and the Rights of a Single, Unmarried Woman in India Exploring the legal challenges, social norms, and reproductive rights under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021 🌐 Introduction Surrogacy has long provided a pathway for women who cannot conceive naturally to become parents. Historically, even Babylonian law permitted surrogacy to prevent divorce. Today, advances in medical science, evolving social norms, and legal reforms have shaped modern surrogacy. However, this progress has raised ethical, social, and legal questions regarding women’s rights, child welfare, and social justice. Critics argue that surrogacy can exploit women in developing countries, while supporters see it as a necessary resource for women facing infertility or social barriers. 👶 What Is Surrogacy? Surrogacy is a process where a woman (the surrogate) carries and delivers a child for another individual or couple (the intended parents). IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) is typically used, and a legal c...