Know your rights. Key laws that protect women in India — explained simply.
Covers physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse by a husband or family member. You can apply for a protection order, residence order, and monetary relief without filing a criminal case.
Contact: Women Protection Officer in your district or Sakhi One Stop Centre (181)
A cognisable, non-bailable offence. Covers harassment for dowry and any wilful conduct that causes grave injury or danger to life. The police must register an FIR and investigate.
Punishment: up to 3 years imprisonment + fine.
Protects children under 18 from sexual assault, harassment and pornography. Reporting is mandatory for any person who has knowledge of an offence. Special Courts handle POCSO cases for fast-track justice.
Covers assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. Section 354A covers sexual harassment, 354B disrobing, 354C voyeurism, and 354D stalking.
You can file an FIR at any police station regardless of where the crime occurred. The station must register the FIR and transfer it to the appropriate jurisdiction. They cannot refuse.
If refused: contact the SP/DSP or file a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission.