“Self respect by definition is a confidence and pride in knowing that your behaviour is both honourable and dignified. Therefore when you harass or vilify another person, you not only disrespect them, but yourself too. Respect yourself by respecting others.” As women (and often, men too) living in India, we have all fallen prey to sexual harassment in one form or another. But how many of us know that the Indian penal code has laws to protect us from each of these? Here are some Laws against sexual harassment which everyone should know.
Online nonsense
Posting any obscene or defamatory material on a public online platform intending to harass a woman is a crime under Section 67 of the IT Act.
FIR
A FIR (First Information Report) is basically a complaint document and the first step of the criminal process.
Office transport
If an act of sexual harassment happens inside the transportation facility provided by your workplace, you have the right to complain under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
Coloured remarks
Abusing a woman with sexually coloured remarks on social media is a crime under IPC Section 509. The man may face jail time of 3 years and fine.
The first step
If you have been sexually harassed, filing a FIR immediately is recommended because you will be able to remember more details about the incident.
Cheap songs
Singing lewd songs directed at woman in public spaces is considered sexual harassment under IPC Section 294. The offenders could be jailed upto 3 months, or be fined, or both.
Someone following you?
Following someone with or without their knowledge is stalking and is an act of sexual harassment. The man can face jail term ranging from 3-5 years coupled with fine as per IPC Section 354 (D).
What did he ask for?
Demanding sexual favours despite indication of disinterest is a crime under IPC Section 354 (A). The accused can either face jail time ranging from 1-3 years or fine or both.
Workplace protection
Any workplace with more than 10 employees should have an internal complaints committee constituted as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act , 2013.
Author’ Name : Pulkit Kalra
