Loyola College

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)

In compliance with the UGC Regulations, the institution has constituted an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to deal with complaints of sexual harassment.

The ICC functions as per the principles of natural justice, confidentiality, and fairness.

It ensures a time-bound and transparent Redressal mechanism.

Any woman employee or student who feels aggrieved can approach the ICC for support.

Upon receipt of a complaint, the ICC shall conduct a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the truth of the allegations by collecting documentary evidence and recording statements from any possible witnesses, including the complainant.

The ICC shall then submit the preliminary inquiry report to the Principal, along with all original documents gathered during the inquiry proceedings. If the allegations do not constitute sexual harassment, the ICC may refer such complaints to the Grievance Redressal Cell or the Principal.

When sexual harassment occurs due to an act or omission by a third party or outsider, the ICC shall take all necessary and reasonable steps to assist the affected person, providing support and preventive action as appropriate.

The ICC shall follow the procedure prescribed in the aforementioned UGC Regulations 2015 and the Sexual Harassment Act for inquiring into the complaint in a timely manner.

If the ICC concludes that the allegations were false or malicious, or that the complaint was made with knowledge of its untruthfulness or forged/misleading information was provided during the inquiry, the complainant shall be liable to punishment as per the relevant provisions of the aforementioned UGC Regulations 2015.

The Coordinator of the ICC shall receive written complaints of sexual harassment on behalf of the ICC and shall coordinate the ICC's deliberations on the complaints received.

Who can approach the ICC for help?

Any female employee (faculty member, student, or non-teaching staff member) of Loyola College of Arts & Science, Mettala, can seek Redressal from the ICC. Definition of Sexual Harassment:
"Sexual harassment" includes any unwelcome sexually inclined behaviour, whether directly or indirectly, such as:
a) Physical contact and advances
b) A demand or request for sexual favours
c) Making sexually colour remarks (including jokes, text messages, calls etc.,)
d) Showing pornography (books, photographs, paintings, films, pamphlets, packages, etc., containing ‘indecent representation of women’)
e) Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature

Under the Act, the following also constitute sexual harassment:

a) Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in employment
b) Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in employment
c) Implied or explicit threat concerning present or future employment status
d) Interference with work or creating an intimidating or offensive work environment
e) Humiliating treatment likely to affect health or safety

Possible Actions against the Accused if Found Guilty:

Depending on the severity of the case, punitive action may take any of the following forms:

• Warning

• Written apology

• Bond of good behavior

• Adverse mark in the Confidential Report

• Stoppage of increments/promotion

• Suspension

• Dismissal

• Any other relevant actions

If you think you are being harassed, what should you do?
• Send an email principal@loyolacollege.ac.in
• Your complaint will be kept CONFIDENTIAL.

Inquiry Process:

• The inquiry shall be completed within 90 days from the date of the complaint.
• The ICC shall provide a report of its findings to the Principal within 10 days of completing the inquiry, and the report shall be made available to the concerned parties.
• If the allegation against the respondent is proved, the ICC shall recommend punitive actions against the respondent.
• The Principal shall act upon the recommendation within 60 days of receiving it.

Caveat:

All female faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students must bear in mind that such complaints are of an extremely serious nature and should, under no circumstances, be made frivolously. This platform should not be misused to settle personal scores or for any other non-genuine reason.

How to Lodge a Complaint?

• Complaints of sexual harassment can be submitted in written form (online/offline) to the ICC.
• A confidential complaint box and official email ID are made available for easy access.
• The ICC will acknowledge the complaint, conduct an impartial inquiry, and take necessary action as per the Regulations.
• Awareness and Outreach Programmes

The Women Empowerment Cell regularly organizes:

• Workshops on gender sensitization and legal literacy.
• Training sessions on self-defence and safety measures.
• Health and wellness programmes focusing on women’s physical and mental well-being.
• Observance of International Women’s Day and other gender-related events.

Contact Details

For queries, suggestions, or grievances, kindly contact:
Women Empowerment Cell
Loyola College of Arts and Science (Co-Ed)
Email: deanwomen@loyolacollege.ac.in
Phone: 7094134501
Office Location: Dean of Women students’ Office