Explanation: The Vishaka guidelines are a set of guidelines established by the Supreme Court of India in the landmark case of Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan. This case was brought to the Supreme Court in 1997, following the gang rape of a social worker in the city of Bhilwara, Rajasthan. The Supreme Court, in its judgment, recognized the need for a comprehensive framework to address the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace.
The Vishaka guidelines were named after the lead petitioner, Vishaka, and were formulated to provide a legal framework for preventing sexual harassment and ensuring the safety and dignity of women in the workplace. The guidelines were not only applicable to government and private sector employees but also extended to informal sectors and educational institutions.
The guidelines outlined several key measures, including the establishment of a complaints committee at the workplace, the provision of a safe and secure environment, and the implementation of a code of conduct. They also emphasized the importance of awareness programs and training for employees to prevent sexual harassment.
The Vishaka guidelines were a significant step towards addressing the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace and have been widely recognized as a crucial legal instrument for gender equality and women's rights. The guidelines have been further strengthened by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which was enacted to provide a more comprehensive legal framework for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment in the workplace.
It is important to note that while the Vishaka guidelines were established in a case against the State of Rajasthan, their impact and applicability are not limited to that state alone. The guidelines have been adopted across India and have influenced the development of similar policies and laws in other countries as well.
In conclusion, the Vishaka guidelines were established in the case of Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan, making option A the correct answer. The guidelines have played a crucial role in shaping the legal and social landscape regarding sexual harassment in the workplace in India.