Sexual harassment at work (for women)

General information, not legal advice. This guide explains the usual steps in plain words. Every case has its own facts, and the law and the rules change. For a serious matter, speak to a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, you may get one free: call 15100. Last checked November 2026.

Complain in writing to the Internal Committee within 3 months. You can also go to the police.

What to do, step by step

1. Write down what happened: dates, places, words used, witnesses. Keep messages, emails and any proof.
2. Make a written complaint to the Internal Committee (IC) of your employer. Every workplace with 10 or more workers must have one. If you cannot write it, a member of the committee must help you.
3. If your workplace has fewer than 10 workers, or the complaint is against the employer, go to the Local Committee of your district (the District Officer can tell you where).
4. You can also file online on the SHe-Box portal of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It forwards the complaint to the right committee.
5. The committee may try conciliation if you ask, but money cannot be the basis of settlement. Otherwise it holds an inquiry that should end within 90 days.
6. While it goes on, you can ask for transfer, leave up to 3 months or other relief. After the inquiry, the employer must act on the recommendations.
7. You can also go to the police for an offence such as sexual harassment, assault, stalking or voyeurism, in addition to the committee.

Where to go

• Internal Committee of your employer
• Local Committee, via the District Officer
• SHe-Box portal
• Police station

What to carry

• Your written complaint with copies
• Messages, emails, photos, or notes of dates and witnesses

Time limits

• 3 months from the incident, or from the last incident if there are several.
• The committee can extend this by up to 3 more months for reasons recorded in writing.
• Inquiry to be completed in 90 days. An appeal against the outcome lies within 90 days.

What the law says

• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013, sections 4, 9, 10, 11, 13, 18
• BNS section 75: sexual harassment [old IPC 354A]

If it does not work

• Approach the Local Committee, SHe-Box or the police if the Internal Committee does not act.
• The Supreme Court has directed full compliance with the Act across the country, including registration on SHe-Box.

Free help

• Free legal aid for women. National Commission for Women helpline 7827170170. 181 Women Helpline.

Sources

• POSH Act 2013, section 9
• SHe-Box

Related

Violence or cruelty at home (for women)Maintenance for wife, children or parents

Section numbers are from the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other Acts, with the old number in square brackets. For events before 1 July 2024 the old law (CrPC, IPC) applies. Spotted a mistake? Corrections are welcome.