What is the punishment for harassment in India?

Asked by: Leopoldo Yundt  |  Last update: February 16, 2026
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Punishment for harassment in India varies by section, but generally involves imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine, or both, for offenses like sexual harassment (IPC 354A) or stalking (IPC 354D) for a first offense, with repeat offenses carrying higher penalties (up to 5 years). The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013 also mandates fines up to ₹1,00,000 for employers failing to address workplace harassment.

What is the fine for harassment in India?

The punishment for sexual harassment under the act includes a fine of up to Rs. 1,00,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

What are the three types of harassment?

The three primary types of harassment often categorized are Verbal/Written, Physical, and Visual, though harassment also falls under broader themes like sexual, discriminatory (race, gender, religion), and psychological bullying, creating intimidating environments through offensive jokes, unwanted contact, threats, or hostile displays, with sexual harassment specifically including "quid pro quo" (favor for favor) and hostile environment forms.
 

What punishment do you get for harassment?

What is the maximum sentence for harassment or stalking? If the offence is harassment or stalking: the maximum sentence is six months' custody. if racially or religiously aggravated, the maximum sentence is two years' custody.

What is a harassment case in India?

The term Harassment has not been defined under the IPC but it refers to any unwelcome behavior that causes physical, mental or emotional pain. Many sections of the IPC deal with different types of harassment; these are Sections 354, 509, and 498A.

Mental harassment पर हमारा क़ानून आख़िर क्या कहता है |Kanoon Priya

38 related questions found

What are the five types of harassment?

The Main Types of Sexual Harassment

  • Quid Pro Quo Harassment. ...
  • Hostile Work Environment. ...
  • Verbal Harassment. ...
  • Non-Verbal Harassment. ...
  • Physical Harassment.

Can I file FIR for mental harassment in India?

To file a mental harassment complaint with the police in India, you must first gather evidence of the harassment, including dates, times, locations or any relevant communication and then visit the nearest police station to lodge a First Information Report (FIR); understanding the legal procedures and rights available ...

Will you go to jail for harassment?

Workplace harassment in California can sometimes become a criminal offense. If your alleged behavior crosses the line into criminal activity, you could also face criminal charges and even jail time, even if no civil claims are filed and are entirely separate from such claims.

What evidence do you need for harassment?

To prove harassment, you need a detailed log of incidents (dates, times, locations, what happened), supported by tangible evidence like emails, texts, photos, videos, and witness statements, plus documentation of your complaints and the harasser's responses, showing the conduct was unwelcome, severe/pervasive, and based on a protected characteristic (like sex, race, etc.). Medical records showing impact and formal reports to HR/police also significantly strengthen a case. 

What is the minimum punishment for harassment?

There's no single minimum sentence for harassment; penalties vary widely by state, severity, and if it's a first offense, ranging from fines and community service for misdemeanors to significant jail time for felony stalking or repeat offenses, often starting at a few days in jail or a few hundred dollars fine, but potentially escalating to years in prison for serious cases.
 

What kind of harassment is illegal?

Offensive conduct may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, and interference with work performance.

What are the 9 grounds of harassment?

Harassment and discrimination. S32 EE Act. Harassment that is based on the following grounds— marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age disability, race, or Traveller community ground— is a form of discrimination in relation to conditions of employment.

What are the 5 ds of harassment?

The 5Ds are different methods – Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct – that you can use to support someone who's being harassed, emphasize that harassment is not okay, and demonstrate to people in your life that they have the power to make their community safer.

What evidence is needed in harassment cases?

Types of Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Case

Evidence can include documentation, witness testimony, electronic communications, and your personal account of the harassment.

What crimes get 7 years in jail in India?

Any man who assaults or uses criminal force to any woman or abets such act with the intention of disrobing 1 or compelling her to be naked, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Is shouting at someone a crime in India?

The Supreme Court has observed that shouting and threatening someone doesn't amount to committing an offence of assault.

Is harassment hard to prove?

It also can be difficult to prove harassment at work, as direct evidence can be rare. Those responsible might not leave any written records of their words or actions. Compiling circumstantial evidence and supporting those records with your notes and witness testimony can help bridge legal gaps.

What is the average payout for harassment?

Settlements Vs.

While the average settlement is under $37,000, another study found that when harassment lawsuits go to trial, the average payout increases to $217,000. This considerable difference is partly because cases that are deemed severe are more likely to require a court trial to prove.

How long do harassment investigations take?

How long does a typical harassment investigation take to complete? The time required depends on the complexity of the case, the number of witnesses, and how quickly evidence can be gathered. Many investigations are completed within two to four weeks, but more complicated cases may take longer.

Is it hard to win a harassment case?

Yes, winning a harassment case is often hard because it requires strong, documented evidence to overcome "he said, she said" situations, proving the conduct was severe or pervasive enough to be legally actionable, and navigating complex laws, but it's possible with solid proof like emails, witnesses, and expert legal guidance. Cases are challenging due to subjective elements, the need for concrete proof, and legal standards that require pervasive or severe behavior for a hostile work environment claim. 

What happens if I'm found guilty of harassment?

When charged with harassment, you face potential penalties like fines, jail time (misdemeanor or felony), probation, mandatory counseling (anger management, etc.), and a criminal record, along with immediate consequences like restraining/no-contact orders, while also dealing with potential job loss, especially if it's workplace harassment, with legal processes involving police investigation, prosecutor review, and court proceedings where a defense attorney is crucial for strategy, plea bargains, or trial.
 

What proof do you need to charge someone with harassment?

To file harassment charges, you need detailed records of incidents (dates, times, locations, what happened), supporting evidence like texts/emails/photos/videos, and potentially witness statements or medical records, though you can start by reporting to police or HR even without all evidence, as they help guide you on what's needed for a formal case, which often relies on showing a pattern of behavior rather than just one event. 

How to deal with someone who is harassing you?

If someone is harassing you, prioritize your safety by documenting everything, telling the harasser to stop (if safe), blocking them, and reporting the behavior to authorities like police or your employer, while also seeking support from hotlines or counselors; take legal steps like getting a restraining order if needed. 

What is a legal notice for harassment in India?

A legal notice is a formal communication sent by a lawyer on your behalf to the accussed. It clearly lays out the nature of harassment, demands that the person immediately stop the behaviour, and warns of further legal action if they fail to comply.

What is the burden of proof?

The burden of proof requires a party to produce evidence to establish the truth of facts needed to satisfy all the required legal elements of the dispute. It is also known as the onus of proof. The burden of proof is usually on the person who brings a claim in a dispute.