Legal and Ethical Implications of Verbal Abuse in the Workplace: Upholding Dignity and Respect for All

This research paper examines the legal and ethical ramifications of shouting at a colleague or any individual, including marginalized groups, in a workplace setting. It explores various legal frameworks, including anti-bullying, harassment, and occupational safety laws across jurisdictions like the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, the Czech Republic, and India, with a focus on the Indian Penal Code and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. The paper highlights the moral right to live with dignity, emphasizing that no one has the right to shout at another person, whether a colleague or a ragpicker, and that individuals, such as ragpickers, have the right to assert, "I am doing my job; what is your right to shout at me?" Jurisdictional differences, workplace policies, and the psychological and social impacts of verbal abuse are analyzed, alongside the victim's right to a safe and respectful environment. The study underscores the need for robust legal protections, effective organizational policies, and cultural shifts to prevent verbal abuse and promote workplace dignity.