Mumbai, June 24: The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step to combat incidents of harassment against women in workplaces. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday the formation of a joint committee of female legislators from both the Assembly and the Council. This committee will review existing laws and guidelines related to women’s safety in corporate environments.
The committee will study the current legal framework, investigate recent incidents, and recommend necessary reforms. The state government has assured that the committee’s recommendations will be implemented to create safer workplaces for women.
This decision follows serious allegations of sexual and mental harassment against female employees raised by council member Chitra Wagh in Nashik. Several legislators, including Neelam Gorhe and Manisha Koyande, participated in discussions on this issue.
Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that a special investigation team (SIT) is nearing completion of its inquiry into the matter. So far, nine separate FIRs have been filed based on the complaints. A manager who failed to act on the initial complaint has also been named as an accused.
Fadnavis clarified that the investigation revealed allegations of harassment targeting women and pressure for religious conversion by certain employees. However, the SIT found no evidence of the company’s institutional involvement. The concerned company has cooperated fully with the investigation and has committed to implementing all safety measures mandated by the government.
The Chief Minister emphasized that it is not appropriate to question the credibility of a leading IT company based on a single incident. He noted that the corporate sector has given India a global identity and plays a crucial role in job creation.
Fadnavis assured the assembly that swift action would be taken on other complaints related to workplace safety. An immediate investigation will be conducted into a complaint linked to a government ITI in Solapur, raised by legislator Manisha Koyande.
Additionally, a high-level inquiry has been ordered regarding a complaint against a foreign multinational company located near Talegaon Dabhade, Pune. Instructions have been issued to take action against those found guilty within 15 days.
This initiative comes in the wake of a high-profile case in Nashik that garnered national attention in April and May 2026. The NCW’s fact-finding committee, led by retired judge Justice Sadhana Jadhav, described the workplace environment as “extremely toxic” during its investigation.
The NCW’s 50-page report highlighted serious deficiencies in the implementation of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act, failures in the grievance redressal mechanism, and a prevailing atmosphere of fear. Victims alleged that some senior employees abused their positions to stalk female staff, mentally harass them, and pressure them regarding their religion.
The Nashik police’s 12-member SIT has filed a 1,500-page charge sheet against several accused, including individuals associated with the company.
The newly formed committee will also explore how to legally tighten guidelines applicable to multinational companies to prevent such incidents in the future.
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