Women's Rights

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 protects women from physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse at home. A woman can seek protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief and custody orders through a Magistrate, with the help of a Protection Officer. Cruelty by a husband or relatives is also a criminal offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The POSH Act, 2013 requires employers with 10 or more employees to set up an Internal Committee. Women can file a written complaint within three months of the incident (extendable in some cases). Unwanted touching, remarks, demands for favours and showing pornography are covered.

Rape and sexual assault are serious criminal offences under the BNS, 2023 and the POCSO Act where the survivor is a child. A survivor can file a Zero FIR at any police station, has the right to a free medical examination, to privacy of identity, and to free legal aid.

Acid attack is a specific offence under the BNS, 2023 (earlier IPC 326A/326B). Courts have directed that survivors be given free treatment at private and public hospitals, and the sale of acid is regulated. State compensation schemes are available to survivors.

Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, every woman is entitled to free legal services regardless of income. Contact the District Legal Services Authority or call NALSA at 15100.

Stalking, following, sexual remarks and obscene gestures are punishable offences. Report to the police (112) or the UP Women Power Line (1090). Keep screenshots, messages and call records as evidence.