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.
