Protection Against Sexual Harassment (POSH)
Women are protected from sexual harassment at the workplace under the POSH Act, 2013.
🗣️ What this means for you
Any unwelcome sexual behaviour at your workplace — physical touching, sexual remarks, showing pornography, requests for sexual favours, or any sexually suggestive behaviour — is a crime. Every workplace with 10 or more employees must have an Internal Complaints Committee. Your identity will be protected, and your employer cannot retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Document every incident — date, time, place, what happened, who was present.
Save all evidence — screenshots, messages, emails, CCTV references.
File a written complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) within 3 months of the last incident.
If no ICC exists, file with the Local Complaints Committee (LCC) at the district level.
You can also file an FIR at the police station under BNS Section 75.
Contact the Women Helpline 181 for support and guidance.
If you face retaliation, file an additional complaint of victimization.
⚖️ The Relevant Law
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (2013)
Section 2(n) — Definition, Section 3 — Prevention, Section 9 — Complaint
"Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexually determined behaviour — physical contact and advances, demand or request for sexual favours, making sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography, or any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature."
⚠️ Punishment / Penalty
The Internal Complaints Committee can recommend disciplinary action including written apology, warning, withholding promotion, termination, or deduction from wages. The employer faces a fine of ₹50,000 for not constituting an ICC. Criminal prosecution can be initiated under BNS Section 75.
Required Documents
- 📄Written complaint describing each incident
- 📄Evidence — screenshots, messages, emails, photos
- 📄Names of witnesses
- 📄Employment ID or association proof
- 📄Medical/counseling records (if applicable)