Free legal helpहिन्दी
Legal Saathi
All guides

criminal

Workplace / Sexual Harassment

You are facing harassment, discrimination, or sexual harassment at your workplace and want to take legal action.

Do this now
  1. 01Document every incident — date, time, place, witnesses, what happened
  2. 02Save all evidence — emails, messages, recordings (where legal)
  3. 03File written complaint with Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
  4. 04If no ICC exists — file with Local Complaints Committee at District level
  5. 05File complaint within 3 months of the incident
  6. 06If physical assault — file FIR at police station
  7. 07Do not resign under pressure — seek legal advice first
  8. 08Contact SHe-Box online portal for complaints (shebox.nic.in)
Evidence to collect
  1. Written record of incidents with dates and details
  2. Emails, messages, or chats from the harasser
  3. Witness names and their willingness to testify
  4. CCTV footage (if available)
  5. Audio/video recordings (where legally permissible)
  6. Medical or psychological reports
  7. Performance reviews showing retaliation
Documents you need
  1. Written complaint to ICC / LCC
  2. Detailed incident report
  3. Evidence — emails, messages, photos
  4. Witness statements
  5. Employment documents
  6. ID proof
  7. Medical reports (if applicable)
Where to complain
  1. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) — At your workplace
  2. Local Complaints Committee (LCC) — At District Officer's office
  3. SHe-Box — shebox.nic.in (online complaint)
  4. Police Station — FIR for criminal offences
  5. Labour Commissioner — For workplace rights violations
  6. National Commission for Women — ncw.nic.in
  7. State Women's Commission
Laws that apply
  1. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH Act)
  2. BNS Section 75 — Sexual harassment
  3. BNS Section 76 — Assault with intent to disrobe
  4. BNS Section 77 — Voyeurism
  5. BNS Section 78 — Stalking
  6. Industrial Disputes Act — For wrongful termination
  7. Equal Remuneration Act — For pay discrimination
Understanding the issue

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) mandates every employer with 10+ employees to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Both physical and verbal harassment, unwelcome sexual advances, demand for sexual favours, and creating a hostile work environment are covered. The complaint must be filed within 3 months. For general workplace harassment, remedies exist under labour laws, BNS, and civil law.

When to see a lawyer

Consult a lawyer if the ICC doesn't act on your complaint, if you face retaliation or wrongful termination, or if you want to file both criminal and civil cases.