#Inquiry Procedure

Allahabad High Court rules that Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) cannot reject delayed complaints under the POSH Act without a reasoned analysis of merits. The court emphasized full compliance with natural justice principles, including recording complainant statements and allowing cross-examination, before concluding guilt. This ruling impacts workplace harassment inquiries across educational and research institutions.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court set aside a medical negligence inquiry report for violating principles of natural justice, emphasizing that procedural fairness requires summoning the surgeon and considering all evidence. The ruling reinforces that administrative bodies cannot dismiss complaints without affording a full hearing, impacting patients' rights under consumer protection laws.