Sexual Harassment at Work
Unwelcome sexual behaviour, comments, or advances from a colleague or superior.
What this generally means
Under the POSH Act, every workplace with 10 or more employees must have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to handle harassment complaints confidentially.
Your journey
You Are Here
You're trying to understand what to do about workplace sexual harassment. That's a good first step.
Understand Issue
Read through what this situation generally means and what your options are.
Gather Documents
Collect the evidence and paperwork that will support your case.
Contact Resource
Reach out to the most relevant authority, helpline, or legal aid service.
Escalate If Needed
If the first contact doesn't resolve things, escalate to a higher forum or authority.
Follow Up
Track your complaint's status and keep records of every response you receive.
Common next steps
- 1Document each incident with dates, details, and any witnesses.
- 2Check if your organization has an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
- 3File a written complaint with the ICC, usually within a defined time limit.
- 4If there's no ICC or you're unsatisfied, escalate to the Local Complaints Committee via the district officer.
Useful documents
- Written record of incidents
- Emails, messages, or call logs
- Names of witnesses
- Company HR policy on harassment
Relevant authorities
- Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
- Local Complaints Committee (District)
Frequently asked questions
What if my company doesn't have an ICC?+
Every eligible employer is legally required to have one. If they don't, you can approach the Local Complaints Committee set up by the district officer.
Will my complaint stay confidential?+
Yes, confidentiality is a legal requirement under the POSH Act throughout the inquiry process.
Verified resources
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) Guidance
Explains how the POSH Act, 2013 requires every workplace with 10+ employees to have a harassment redressal committee.
SHe-Box Portal
Ministry of Women & Child Development's online complaint management system for workplace sexual harassment complaints, covering both government and private-sector Internal Committees.
District Legal Services Authority (Employment Cases)
Free legal aid for employees on wrongful termination and harassment claims, via NALSA's district network.