Laws & Rights

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 — commonly called the POSH Act — requires every employer with 10 or more employees to set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Women can file a written complaint to the ICC within 3 months of the incident. The committee must complete inquiry within 90 days and take action. Employers failing to comply face fines up to ₹50,000 and cancellation of licences.

Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, women have the right to: a Protection Order (preventing the abuser from contacting you), a Residence Order (right to stay in the shared home), Monetary Relief (for expenses, medical costs, maintenance), a Custody Order (for children), and Compensation for injuries suffered. You can approach a Protection Officer, Magistrate Court, or service provider. The process is free and accessible even without a lawyer.

Yes. The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 gave daughters equal coparcenary rights — meaning a daughter has the same rights as a son in ancestral property from birth, regardless of whether the father was alive in 2005. This was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2020. Muslim women's inheritance rights are governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act, which gives daughters half the share of sons. Christian and Parsi women have equal rights under the Indian Succession Act, 1925.

In India, cyber harassment and revenge porn are covered under: Section 66E of the IT Act 2000 (violation of privacy — up to 3 years imprisonment), Section 67A of the IT Act (publishing sexually explicit content — up to 5 years), Section 354A IPC (sexual harassment), Section 354C IPC (voyeurism), and Section 507 IPC (criminal intimidation). You can file a complaint at your nearest cyber crime police station or at cybercrime.gov.in or call helpline 1930.

Under the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, women working in establishments with 10 or more employees are entitled to: 26 weeks of paid maternity leave (for the first two children), 12 weeks for the third child onwards, 12 weeks for adopting or commissioning mothers, a creche facility if the employer has 50 or more employees, and no dismissal or change in service conditions during maternity leave. Employers violating this law can face imprisonment up to 1 year and fines up to ₹5,000.

Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the minimum age of marriage is 18 years for women and 21 for men. The government has also proposed raising the age for women to 21 to align with men. Child marriages are voidable (can be annulled) and the adults who arrange or perform such marriages can face imprisonment up to 2 years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. If you or someone you know has been forced into a child marriage, you can file a complaint with the police or a Child Marriage Prohibition Officer in your district.

Yes. Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, every woman is entitled to free legal aid in India regardless of income. You can apply at your District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) or State Legal Services Authority (SLSA). The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) toll-free helpline is 15100. Additionally, the National Commission for Women (NCW) at 7827170170 and many NGOs provide free legal consultation and representation.

The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 (India) prohibits employers from paying women less than men for the same or similar work. If you believe you are being paid unequally, you can: file a complaint with the Labour Commissioner in your district, approach the Central Government Industrial Tribunal (CGIT), or raise the issue with your company's HR. Keep records of your salary slips and any comparisons with male colleagues doing the same work. You can also approach the National Commission for Women for guidance.