I faced sexual harassment at my workplace in Thiruvananthapuram and the Internal Committee did nothing, what legal options do I have?

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have faced sexual harassment at your workplace in Thiruvananthapuram and the Internal Committee has not taken appropriate action, you have several legal options to pursue justice.

Under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, you can take the following steps:

• File a Complaint with the Local Complaints Committee (LCC): If the Internal Committee did not take action, you can escalate the matter to the LCC established under Section 6 of the Act. This committee is mandated to address complaints from women working in organizations with less than 10 employees or from those in unorganized sectors.
• Lodge a Police Complaint: You have the right to file a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 354A (Sexual harassment) or Section 509 (Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. This is crucial if the harassment includes criminal acts.
• Seek Legal Recourse: Consult a lawyer specializing in workplace harassment or women's rights. They can assist you in filing a petition in the appropriate civil court or approach the National Commission for Women (NCW) for further action.
• File a Complaint with the Gender Sensitization Committee: Many educational and institutional workplaces have specialized committees to address gender-related issues. You can approach them to seek additional support.
• Approach the Human Rights Commission: If you believe that your fundamental rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission or the National Human Rights Commission.

In addition to these steps, ensure to keep records of all communications, complaints, and any evidence related to the incidents of harassment, as this will be essential for any legal proceedings.

It is crucial to act promptly, as there are time limits for filing complaints under various laws. The Sexual Harassment Act mandates that complaints must be made within three months of the incident. If you have not received a satisfactory response from the Internal Committee, you should take action as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.