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Chapter I - Preliminary

Section 3: Prevention of sexual harassment

Creates the substantive right against workplace sexual harassment and lists circumstances such as employment threats, promises, hostile environment and humiliating treatment that may accompany prohibited conduct.

Act No. 14 of 2013Authority: Employer and complaints forumData reviewed on 17 July 2026

In 2 minutes

Creates the substantive right against workplace sexual harassment and lists circumstances such as employment threats, promises, hostile environment and humiliating treatment that may accompany prohibited conduct.

Statutory text

3. Prevention of sexual harassment.—(1) No woman shall be subjected to sexual harassment at any workplace. (2) The following circumstances, among other circumstances, if it occurs, or is present in relation to or connected with any act or behavior of sexual harassment may amount to sexual harassment:— (i) implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment; or (ii) implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in her employment ; or (iii) implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status; or (iv) interference with her work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment for her; or (v) humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety.

Source transcription: India Code consolidated Act PDF. Check the official source for a live matter.

Rule, authority, record and consequence map

Related Central RuleRule 13: Manner to organise workshops and awareness
Primary authorityEmployer and complaints forum
Core recordPolicy, risk assessment and incident intake record
Compliance consequenceEmployer prevention duty, disciplinary consequences and other legal remedies may follow.

Practical example

A manager links a favourable roster to an unwelcome request and threatens an adverse review after refusal. The conduct and the surrounding employment threat must both be examined.

Finin2min Q&A

What should an employer or committee do first?

Create the record identified above, check the linked Rule and preserve a dated decision trail. Do not replace the statutory process with an informal HR discussion where the Act applies.

What needs jurisdiction-specific checking?

State rules and notifications, District Officer and Local Committee details, service rules, standing orders, appellate forum and any sector regulator requirements.