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How can a victim file a complaint for sexual harassment?

How can a victim file a complaint for sexual harassment?

18-Jul-2026

Criminal

Answer By law4u team

In India, a victim of sexual harassment can file a complaint through both internal workplace mechanisms and legal authorities, depending on where the harassment occurred. 1. If harassment happens at workplace (most important route) Under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: A complaint can be filed to: Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in the organisation If no ICC exists, then to the Local Complaints Committee (LCC) at the district level Process: Submit written complaint within 3 months of incident (can be extended in justified cases) ICC conducts inquiry like a civil proceeding Both parties are heard and evidence is recorded Report is submitted with recommendations 2. Filing FIR with police If the conduct is serious, the victim can directly file FIR under criminal law: Relevant provisions under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Sexual harassment and assault-related offences Criminal intimidation, stalking, or insult to modesty Outraging modesty and other gender-based offences Police must register FIR if a cognizable offence is disclosed. 3. Online complaint option Victims can also: File complaint on cybercrime.gov.in (if harassment is online) Report social media abuse, stalking, or blackmail Call 1930 in urgent cyber-related financial or blackmail cases 4. Support and protection measures Victims may also seek: Protection orders from court Identity confidentiality during proceedings Workplace transfer or leave during inquiry Free legal aid in many cases 5. Evidence to keep Messages, emails, chats Call recordings (if lawfully obtained) Witness statements CCTV or workplace records if available 6. Important legal principle Sexual harassment is treated as a violation of: Article 14 (equality) Article 15 (non-discrimination) Article 21 (life and dignity) 7. Summary A victim can file a complaint with the workplace Internal Complaints Committee, the police through FIR, or cybercrime authorities if online harassment is involved, and both civil and criminal remedies are available under Indian law.

Answer By Ayantika Mondal

Dear Client, A victim of sexual harassment in India has several options for filing a complaint based on the type of harassment. In the workplace, one can file a formal written complaint to either the employer’s Internal Complaints Committee or the Local Complaints Committee at the district level as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013, usually within three months of the last incident. In case of non-workplace harassment that constitutes a crime, the victim can file an FIR at any police station under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. In the case of refusal at a specific police station, a victim can file a “Zero FIR.” In case of online harassment, the complaint should be lodged on either the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or with local cyber cells under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Legal consultation is recommended in such cases, as there can be specific jurisdictional and evidentiary requirements that need to be met. I hope this answer helps. If you have any further query kindly do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you

Answer By Anik

Dear Client, To file a complaint for sexual violence in India you can approach any police station regardless of where the incident occurred to file a First Information Report If you are unable to go police station in person you can send the complaint via registered post to the Commissioner of Police or the Superintendent of Police or provide your statement orally to police officer at your residence where a female officer must be present under the law The police are mandated to record your statement in writing and provide you with a free copy of the FIR immediately If the police refuses to register your complaint you have the right to approach the Superintendent of Police or file a private complaint directly before a magistrate. Alternatively you can utilize the online portals provided by the Police Department in your state or the central government’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal specifically designed for reporting crimes against women and children Many states in India have dedicated helpline numbers such as 100 or 112 that provide immediate assistance and can dispatch a patrol vehicle to your location once a complaint is filed the investigation must be conducted with extreme sensitivity and you have a right to have your statement recorded by a judicial magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sahita which ensures your testimony is documented securely. Throughout the process you are entitled to free legal aid medical examination and counselling services You may request your statement be recorded by a female police officer in a private comfortable space to ensure your privacy and dignity are maintained It is also important to preserve any physical evidence such as clothing or electronic communications that may support your claim. I hope this answer helps, if you have any further query kindly do not hesitate to contact us. Thankyou