Vidhi Codex

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013

The SEXUALHARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013

General201330 sections

This legislation protects women from sexual harassment in all Indian workplaces, including government entities, private companies, non-governmental organizations, sports facilities, and domestic households. It mandates that organizations establish Internal Complaints Committees, while district authorities set up Local Committees to handle complaints where internal bodies are absent. The law defines sexual harassment broadly, outlining clear procedures for inquiry, conciliation, time-bound resolutions, and penalties for non-compliance. By legally obligating employers to provide a safe working environment and confidentiality for complainants, the Act aims to ensure dignity, equality, and fundamental rights for female workers across formal and informal sectors throughout India.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title, extent and commencement
  2. 2. Definitions
  3. 3. Prevention of sexual harassment
  4. 4. Constitution of Internal Complaints Committee
  5. 5. Notification of District Officer
  6. 6. Constitution and jurisdiction of Local Complaints Committee
  7. 7. Composition, tenure and other terms and conditions of Local Complaints Committee
  8. 8. Grants and audit
  9. 9. Complaint of sexual harassment
  10. 10. Conciliation
  11. 11. Inquiry into complaint
  12. 12. Action during pendency of inquiry
  13. 13. Inquiry report
  14. 14. Punishment for false or malicious complaint and false evidence
  15. 15. Determination of compensation
  16. 16. Prohibition of publication or making known contents of complaint and inquiry proceedings
  17. 17. Penalty for publication or making known contents of complaint and inquiry proceedings
  18. 18. Appeal
  19. 19. Duties of employer
  20. 20. Duties and powers of District Officer
  21. 21. Committee to submit annual report
  22. 22. Employer to include information in annual report
  23. 23. Appropriate Government to monitor implementation and maintain data
  24. 24. Appropriate Government to take measures to publicise the Act
  25. 25. Power to call for information and inspection of records
  26. 26. Penalty for non-compliance with provisions of Act
  27. 27. Cognizance of offence by courts
  28. 28. Act not in derogation of any other law
  29. 29. Power of appropriate Government to make rules
  30. 30. Power to remove difficulties

PDF: pending for this language.