Legal information notice: this article provides general information and isn't a substitute for advice from a qualified lawyer.
Sexual harassment isn’t limited to the workplace — it happens on the street, in public transport, on college campuses, in neighbourhoods, and online. This guide covers the general criminal law protections available to every woman, regardless of where the harassment occurs, and exactly what happens once you file a complaint.
Move away from the situation and seek help from anyone nearby if needed — your safety takes priority over anything else in the moment.
Note the time, place, description of the person involved, and any witnesses, while the details are fresh. If there’s a physical trace (torn clothing, injury), preserve this too.
Approach the nearest police station — these are cognizable offences, meaning police are legally required to register your FIR without needing prior court permission.
This creates important medical evidence and should be done as soon as possible after the incident, at a government hospital if possible.
Stay engaged with the investigating officer, provide any additional information requested, and consider engaging a lawyer if the matter proceeds toward trial.
Many women hesitate to report harassment that “wasn’t that serious” — a lewd comment, an inappropriate stare, unwanted following. It’s worth knowing clearly: the law recognizes a spectrum here, from Section 78’s coverage of words and gestures to more serious physical offences, precisely so that harassment doesn’t have to escalate to something severe before it’s actionable. You don’t need to wait for it to “get worse” to have a valid complaint.
If the police are reluctant to register your complaint — which unfortunately does happen — you have the right to escalate directly to the Superintendent of Police in writing, or approach a Magistrate directly under the relevant provisions for a private complaint. You’re also entitled to have your statement recorded by a woman police officer if you request it.
Given the range of situations, here’s how the relevant provisions compare:
| Situation | Relevant Provision |
|---|---|
| Physical contact/assault with sexual intent | Section 74, BNS — assault or criminal force to outrage modesty |
| Unwelcome sexual remarks, advances, or demands | Section 75, BNS — sexual harassment |
| Repeated following, monitoring, or contact attempts | Section 77, BNS — stalking |
| Catcalling, lewd gestures, indecent exposure | Section 78, BNS — insulting modesty through word/gesture/act |
File at the police station having jurisdiction over where the incident occurred — for these cognizable offences, you can also approach any police station under the “Zero FIR” provision, which must then transfer your complaint to the correct jurisdiction rather than turning you away.
No — filing an FIR, medical examination at a government facility, and the investigation process are all free.
Filing the FIR itself doesn’t require a lawyer. A lawyer becomes valuable as the case proceeds toward trial, to help you navigate the court process and ensure your rights as a victim/witness are properly protected throughout.
Need professional legal help with this?
Find a Lawyer on VidyodayIf the harassment happened specifically at your workplace, our dedicated guide on workplace harassment and the POSH Act covers that specific process. If it happened online, see online blackmail or our guide on fake social media accounts.
You can still file — investigators can work with a description, any available footage (CCTV, phone recordings), and witness accounts even without knowing the person’s identity upfront.
There’s no strict limitation period for filing an FIR for these offences, though reporting promptly generally helps with evidence and witness recollection.
Witness accounts are valuable evidence — try to get contact details from anyone willing to support your account, since this strengthens your complaint significantly.
Yes, though be aware that evidence and witness memory can fade over time — it’s still worth filing even after a delay if you’re ready to do so now.
It allows you to file an FIR at any police station, regardless of where the incident actually occurred — the station is then required to transfer it to the correct jurisdiction, rather than turning you away.
Courts have specific protections for victims in these cases, including restrictions on publishing identifying details and the option for in-camera (private) proceedings.
Yes — a civil suit for damages is a separate, parallel option if you’ve suffered demonstrable harm, though this typically needs a lawyer’s involvement.
The same legal provisions apply regardless of your relationship to the person — a known harasser is not treated any less seriously under the law.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, contact the police (100) first. Consult a lawyer or the Women Helpline (181) for guidance specific to your situation.
