Edited By: Pragati Bhandari

The Constitution of India The Indian Constitution provides women with fundamental rights to equality, non-discrimination, and protection from gender-based violence, including sexual harassment.

Indian Penal Code (IPC) The IPC includes provisions that criminalize various forms of sexual harassment, such as Section 354A for sexual harassment, Section 354D for stalking, and Section 509 for word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 This is a comprehensive law that addresses sexual harassment in the workplace. It requires employers in organizations with ten or more employees to establish Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to address complaints of sexual harassment and ensure a safe working environment for women.

Vishakha Guidelines Before the 2013 Act, the Vishakha Guidelines were in place, as laid down by the Supreme Court of India in the Vishakha vs. State of Rajasthan case. These guidelines were an initial attempt to address sexual harassment in the workplace before the formal law was enacted.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 While primarily focused on  the protection of children from sexual offenses, this law includes provisions to address sexual harassment of girls under  the age of 18.

Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 This law prohibits the indecent representation of women through advertisements, books, films, or other forms of media that could perpetuate stereotypes and demean women.

Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 The IT Act addresses various cybercrimes, including online harassment and stalking of women. Sections 66E, 67, and 67A of the IT Act pertain to such offenses.

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 Although not directly related to sexual harassment, this law addresses the issue of dowry, which can lead to harassment and violence against women.

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006  This act seeks to prevent child marriages, which can often lead to sexual harassment and exploitation of young girls.

Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 This amendment to the IPC and other laws was introduced after the infamous Nirbhaya gang rape case in Delhi in 2012. It aimed to strengthen laws related to sexual offenses against women, including measures to tackle sexual harassment.

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