I faced sexual harassment at my workplace in Coimbatore — how do I file a complaint?

Detailed Legal Analysis

To file a complaint regarding sexual harassment at your workplace in Coimbatore, you can initiate the process by approaching your Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) or the Local Complaints Committee (LCC) as prescribed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Here are the steps to file a complaint:

• Document the Incident: Maintain a detailed record of the incidents, including dates, times, places, and witnesses. This documentation will be crucial for your complaint.
• Approach the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):
  • Every organization with more than 10 employees is required to form an ICC. Check if your workplace has one.
  • Submit a written complaint to the ICC within three months of the last incident of harassment.
  • The complaint should include your name, address, contact information, and a detailed account of the harassment.
• Contact the Local Complaints Committee (LCC):
  • If your organization does not have an ICC or if the complaint is against the employer, you can approach the LCC.
  • The LCC is constituted by the state government and is available to assist women in such cases.
  • File your complaint with the LCC within three months of the incident.
• Investigation Process:
  • Upon receiving the complaint, the ICC is required to conduct an inquiry within 90 days.
  • Both the complainant and the accused will have the opportunity to present their case.
• Await the Outcome:
  • The ICC will submit a report and recommend actions, which may include disciplinary action against the accused.
  • If you are dissatisfied with the ICC's findings, you can escalate the matter to the LCC or file a complaint with the police under Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
• Legal Action:
  • If the internal procedures do not yield satisfactory results, you may consider filing a civil suit for damages or a criminal complaint under IPC for offences related to sexual harassment.
  • Seek legal advice from a lawyer specializing in labour law to understand your options better.

For further assistance, you may also contact local NGOs that specialize in women's rights or legal aid services in Coimbatore.