Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act 2013 (Sections 1-9, 11-20)
Kavita, a junior research associate at a government research institute, repeatedly receives sexually explicit messages on her official email from her supervisor, Dr. Sharma. When she ignores them, Dr. Sharma gives her a poor performance rating and recommends her contract not be renewed. Kavita files a complaint with the ICC three months after the last incident. Dr. Sharma claims the messages were 'friendly' and challenges the ICC's jurisdiction since Kavita is a contract employee. Analyse: (a) whether Kavita's complaint is within the time limit under Section 9; (b) whether contract employees are covered under the POSH Act 2013; (c) what the ICC's findings should be based on the facts; and (d) what action can be recommended under Section 13.