I faced sexual harassment at work. Where do I complain?
Simple answer
Complain in writing to your workplace's Internal Committee within 3 months of the incident (or the last incident). If there is no committee because there are fewer than 10 workers, or the complaint is against the employer, go to the district's Local Committee.
Real-life examples
Ananya's team lead in Hyderabad kept sending her sexual messages. She gave the Internal Committee a written complaint with screenshots. During the inquiry, she asked for him to be moved to another team, which the committee can recommend.
Sunita works in a 6-person office in Kolkata, so there is no Internal Committee. She can complain to the Local Committee set up by the District Officer, through the nodal officer of her ward.
Farah, in Bhopal, complained 5 months after the last incident because she feared losing her job. The committee can extend the 3-month limit by up to 3 more months if it records good reasons.
What should you do?
- 1Write down what happened, with dates, places and witnesses. Save messages and screenshots.
- 2Give a written complaint to the Internal Committee within 3 months. Its members must help you write it if needed.
- 3Ask in writing for interim relief during the inquiry, such as a transfer or up to 3 months' extra leave.
- 4No committee, or complaint against the owner? Go to the Local Committee through the District Officer, or complain online on SHe-Box.
- 5For assault, stalking or threats, you can also file a police complaint. Call 112 in an emergency or 181 for support.
- 6If you disagree with the committee's findings, appeal within 90 days of its recommendations.
Exceptions & limits
- This Act protects women. Men facing harassment are not covered by it, though company policy or other laws may help.
- The committee's inquiry is not a criminal trial. A police case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is separate and can run alongside it.
- Conciliation happens only if you ask for it, and a money settlement cannot be the basis of it.
Official legal reference
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 — Sections 4, 6
Every employer must set up an Internal Committee at each office; a district Local Committee handles workplaces under 10 workers or complaints against the employer.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 — Section 9
Written complaint within 3 months of the incident or the last incident; the committee can extend this by 3 months for good reason.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 — Sections 11, 12
Inquiry must finish in 90 days; meanwhile the committee can recommend a transfer or up to 3 months' leave for the woman.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 — Section 18
Anyone unhappy with the committee's recommendations, or their non-implementation, can appeal within 90 days.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 — Section 26
An employer who fails to form an Internal Committee or act on its report can be fined up to ₹50,000.
Where to get help
National Commission for Women
Complaints about violence and harassment against women.
Source & status
- Applies to
- All of India
- Law in force since
- 9 Dec 2013
- Legal review
- Draft — awaiting lawyer review
Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.