Welcome to POSHitive, your ultimate source for insights on creating safe and respectful workplaces! We are Safe Spaces Inc., a leading POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) advisory services firm committed to fostering awareness and ensuring workplaces in India are free from sexual harassment.
This conversation is all too familiar for women using cabs. With the growing number of safety concerns in cab rides, it’s essential to address a critical question:
Q. Can you raise a POSH complaint against your cab driver?
The answer is an absolute yes.
Q. Who can you raise the complaint to?
You can raise a complaint with the cab aggregator company managing the driver.
Q. What if they don’t take action?
If the cab aggregator company fails to address your complaint, you can turn to alternative forums. Explore forums for POSH complaints here.
Case Studies Highlighting the Issue
Case Study 1: ANI Technologies (Ola)
In 2018, a female passenger in Bengaluru faced sexual harassment by a cab driver. She sought to file a POSH complaint against the driver, but Ola declined, citing:
- The driver was not an employee but a contractor.
- Ola is an aggregator platform, similar to Amazon.
- They had blacklisted the driver as action.
What Happened Next?
The Karnataka High Court ruled that:
- Ola is responsible for the conduct of their drivers in matters of sexual harassment.
- Ola should have accepted the POSH complaint.
This case will be heard further in March 2025. Follow updates on our LinkedIn.
Case Study 2: ICICI Bank vs. Vinod Kumar
The court held that employers cannot escape liability for sexual harassment by arguing that the perpetrator was a contractor or third party.
Safety Measures Beyond POSH
While POSH provides a framework for redressal, proactive safety measures are equally crucial. Here are some available options:
- SOS Buttons: Many cab apps include an SOS feature.
- Emergency Buttons in Cabs: Some vehicles are equipped with dedicated emergency buttons.
- State Initiatives: Certain states have launched safety initiatives. For example, Telangana’s T-Safe by the police focuses on safe rides. Watch the initiative in action here.
(Note: We do not evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives but aim to guide you toward available resources.)
A Call for Accountability
We hope this blog empowers you with the knowledge to navigate cab safety concerns effectively. At the same time, it is vital for organisations, including cab aggregators, to prioritise not only transporting passengers but also ensuring their safety throughout the journey.
Stay safe, and let’s work together toward a secure and inclusive environment.
POSHitive Outlook
POSHitive, a mini-blog by Safe Spaces Inc., aims to simplify POSH compliance into easily digestible pieces.
Remember, creating a safe workplace is not just a legal obligation but an ethical commitment to contribute to a positive and thriving work environment.
Join us on our journey towards building workplaces where everyone feels secure, respected, and empowered. After all, Safe Spaces are the foundation of a POSHitive future!
For further support on POSH Compliance, POSH Trainings, or Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) training, visit Safe Spaces Inc. or contact us at support@safespacesinc.in
PS: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have experienced sexual harassment, please seek professional help or contact the relevant authorities.
