NyaayaNyaayaNyaayaNyaaya
  • Explainers
    • Constitution
      • Fundamental Rights
        • Right to Education
        • Right to Life
        • Constitutional Remedies
    • Discrimination
      • Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Persons
      • Identification Proof for LGBTQ+ Persons
      • Manual Scavenging
      • Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribes
      • Violence Based on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
    • Family
      • Adoption
      • Care for Parents and Elderly
      • Child Marriage
      • Domestic Violence
    • Government and Politics
      • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
      • 48 Hours Before Elections
      • Anti-Corruption
      • Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
      • Campaigning and Elections
      • Identification Proof
      • Legal Aid
      • Right to Information
      • Sedition
      • Voting and Elections
    • Health and Environment
      • Water Pollution
      • Air Pollution
      • Abortion
      • Contraceptives
      • COVID-19
      • Drugs and Narcotics
      • Euthanasia
      • Mental Health
      • Noise Pollution
      • Patient Rights
      • Sex Selection
      • Smoking
    • Marriage and Divorce
      • Annulment of marriage
      • Christian Marriage
      • Divorce for Muslim Marriages
      • Divorce for Hindu Marriages
      • Dowry
      • Hindu Marriage
      • Inter-Religious Marriages
      • Muslim Marriage
    • Media and Communication
      • Censorship
      • Defamation
    • Money and Property
      • Land and Property Disputes
      • Using Your Property Effectively (Buying & Selling)
      • Consumer Rights
      • Cheques
      • Income Tax
      • Online Bank Fraud
      • Rent
      • Theft
      • Will
    • Police and Courts
      • Arrest
      • Bail
      • Children accused of Crime
      • Contempt of Court
      • First Information Report (FIR)
      • Traffic Fines
    • Violence and Abuse
      • Acid Attack
      • Online Abuse
      • Ragging
      • Rape
      • Sexual Abuse of Children
      • Sexual Crimes
    • Work and Employment
      • Child Labour
      • Employment Contract
      • Maternity Benefit
      • Professional Ethics
      • Sexual Harassment at the Workplace
      • Wages
  • Nyaaya Weekly
  • Resources
    • Formats and Templates
    • Guides
    • Maps
    • Videos
  • Blogs
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Access to Justice
    • Collaborators
    • Media Coverage
  • Ask Nyaaya

Sexual Crimes

    Home Topics Sexual Crimes

    How does this explainer help you?

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.]

    This explainer gives survivors of sexual violence an understanding of their rights so that they know the categories of sexual crimes in India and the reporting mechanisms for them. Criminal law in India deals strictly with men who sexually harass and abuse women and gives strict punishments. It is important to note that apart from the intention of the perpetrator, the perception of the survivor on whether certain behaviour is sexual harassment or not, is also considered to be an important factor by the courts. Through this explainer, survivors can understand the different ways to report an incident of sexual harassment or assault, even if it happens online and how the law can help them.

    What are the laws being discussed?

    This explainer discusses the legal provisions in the:

    • Indian Penal Code, 1860 for the prosecution and punishment of a person committing any sexual crimes. 
    • Information Technology Act, 2000 for online crimes
    • The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 for sexual abuse of children and
    • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 for workplace sexual harassment. 

    In this explainer, we have covered only the provisions of the law where women have the right to complain against sexual harassment. To explore more on violence against LGBTQI+ persons, you can read our explainer on Violence based on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation.

    What is Sexual Harassment?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] Sexual harassment can happen in several ways. Actions such as following a person on the streets or in any public space, peeping into their bedroom, making sexual gestures at them while they are at workRead more

    0 comment | 1

    How is Invasion of Privacy a Sexual Crime?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] Everyone has a right to privacy1. This means that anyone can do anything, sexual or not, thinking that no one is watching them (provided that it shouldn’t be illegal). Under the law, only a manRead more

    0 comment | 1

    What is Stalking?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If a person repeatedly follows, contacts or monitors someone despite their disinterest or lack of consent, it is known as stalking. Stalking is a term used for numerous activities done by a person, which whenRead more

    2 comments | 3

    What is Physical Stalking?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] It is a crime to physically stalk someone, i.e. someone tries to follow a person wherever they go and contact them even after they have expressed their disinterest. er Under the law, only a manRead more

    0 comment | 1

    How does Stalking over the Phone Happen?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If someone repeatedly contacts a person through calls or texts by the means of a telephone, then, it is a crime under the law. Under the law, only a man can be punished for theRead more

    0 comment | 1

    How do I know if I am Being Stalked?

    By Nyaaya | 21 February, 2021

    Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.Read more

    0 comment | 0

    What is Cyber Stalking?

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    If someone persistently monitors or follows a person’s activity on the internet through email, social networks and instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp etc. it is a crime of cyberstalking.1. Some of the common forms of cyber stalking are2: Persistent contact by someone on different modes of social media, for example, WhatsApp and Facebook. UsingRead more

    0 comment | 3

    What are Sexual Remarks and Threats?

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If anyone says anything sexual to or sexually threatens a person, it is a crime under the law. Under the law, only a man can be punished for the crime1. Some examples of sexual remarksRead more

    0 comment | 4

    What are Sexual Gestures

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If anyone makes any sexual gestures that are insulting and sexual in nature, it is a crime. Under the law, only a man can be punished for the crime1. Some examples of sexual actions andRead more

    0 comment | 4

    What are Sexual Favours or Demands?

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If anyone asks fors or demands any sexual favours from a person without their consent and despite their disinterest, then it is a crime. Under the law, only a man can be punished for theRead more

    0 comment | 4

    What is an Inappropriate Sexual Touch?

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] If someone inappropriately touches a person with a sexual intention, it is a crime under the law. The touch may or may not be forceful, but the perpetrator will still be punished for their actions.Read more

    0 comment | 4

    What is Forceful Sexual Behaviour?

    By Nyaaya | 2 August, 2019

    [Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.] There are many forms of forceful sexual behaviour that a person might encounter. Some of them are: Forcefully Removing Clothes  Whenever someone forcefully removes or tries to remove a person’s clothes, it is a crime.Read more

    0 comment | 6

    How do you Complain against Sexual Crimes?

    By Malavika Rajkumar | 2 August, 2019

    You can complain to the following authorities: Police Go to Police Station An FIR can be filed at any police station or the one nearest to where the crime happened. Anyone, including a friend or relative can also file an FIR on a survivor’s behalf. However, at the time of reporting, the survivor will haveRead more

    0 comment | 0
    Filter:AllUnanswered
    What can I do if the police refuse to file my complaint against a sexual crime?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 6 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    1082 views1 answers0 votes
    If a person is accused of stalking, will he get bail?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 6 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    661 views1 answers0 votes
    My boyfriend tried to forcefully remove my clothes while we were in the privacy of our room. Does the law still protect me?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 6 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    734 views1 answers0 votes
    I sent a private sexual video only to my boyfriend, but he sent it to his friends, who then distributed it to their friends. What can I do?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 6 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    597 views1 answers0 votes
    Since invasion of privacy is considered an offence under the law, in what situations can I expect privacy?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 6 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    639 views1 answers0 votes
    If my husband and I have been separated through a Court order, and he tries to forcefully have sex with me, can I file a complaint against him?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 6 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    680 views1 answers0 votes
    At what point will an FIR become a court case?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 6 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    678 views1 answers0 votes
    If a man texts me on my phone and says “If you don’t have sex with me, then you will get hurt”, then what can I do?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 6 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    615 views1 answers0 votes
    I went out clubbing with my friends and a man felt me up while I was dancing, even after I told him not to. Can I file a complaint against him?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 6 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    603 views1 answers0 votes
    Is whistling to a woman sexual harassment?
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 6 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    926 views1 answers0 votes
    376 of crpc
    NyaayaNyaaya answered 5 years ago • Sexual Crimes
    602 views1 answers0 votes
    Ask Question

    About Us

    Nyaaya is an open access, digital resource that provides simple, actionable, recallable and authoritative legal information to young Indians, helping them solve day-to-day legal problems so that they are aware of their rights and feel empowered to seek justice.

    हमारे बारे में

    न्याया एक नि: शुल्क डिजिटल संसाधन है जो भारत के नागरिकों  को सरल, कार्रवाई योग्य, याद रखने योग्य और आधिकारिक कानूनी जानकारी प्रदान करता है, और दिन-प्रतिदिन की कानूनी समस्याओं को हल करने में उनकी मदद करता है  ताकि वे अपने अधिकारों के बारे में जागरूक हों और न्याय पाने के लिए सशक्त महसूस करें 

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    Nyaaya is committed to providing you with clear, actionable information about Indian laws in simple language so you can protect yourself, assert your rights and seek justice. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with us


    Subscribe to Nyaaya updates on Whatsapp

    न्याया से whatsapp पे जुड़ें

    हमारे समाचार पत्र के सदस्य बनें

    न्याया आपको सरल भाषा में भारतीय कानूनों के बारे में स्पष्ट, कार्रवाई योग्य जानकारी प्रदान करने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है ताकि आप अपने अधिकारों की रक्षा कर सकें और न्याय की तलाश कर सकें। हमारे साथ जुड़ें रहने के लिए हमारे न्यूज़लेटर की सदस्यता लें


    Subscribe to Nyaaya updates on Whatsapp

    न्याया से whatsapp पे जुड़ें

    Terms of Use

    cc logo attribution logo non-commercial logo share alike logo

    Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 India (CC BY-NC-SA 2.5 IN) license. Icons by The Noun Project.

    • About Us
    • How Nyaaya Works
    • Feedback
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Nyaaya - India's Laws Explained
    • Explainers
      • Constitution
        • Fundamental Rights
          • Right to Education
          • Right to Life
          • Constitutional Remedies
      • Discrimination
        • Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Persons
        • Identification Proof for LGBTQ+ Persons
        • Manual Scavenging
        • Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribes
        • Violence Based on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
      • Family
        • Adoption
        • Care for Parents and Elderly
        • Child Marriage
        • Domestic Violence
      • Government and Politics
        • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
        • 48 Hours Before Elections
        • Anti-Corruption
        • Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
        • Campaigning and Elections
        • Identification Proof
        • Legal Aid
        • Right to Information
        • Sedition
        • Voting and Elections
      • Health and Environment
        • Water Pollution
        • Air Pollution
        • Abortion
        • Contraceptives
        • COVID-19
        • Drugs and Narcotics
        • Euthanasia
        • Mental Health
        • Noise Pollution
        • Patient Rights
        • Sex Selection
        • Smoking
      • Marriage and Divorce
        • Annulment of marriage
        • Christian Marriage
        • Divorce for Muslim Marriages
        • Divorce for Hindu Marriages
        • Dowry
        • Hindu Marriage
        • Inter-Religious Marriages
        • Muslim Marriage
      • Media and Communication
        • Censorship
        • Defamation
      • Money and Property
        • Land and Property Disputes
        • Using Your Property Effectively (Buying & Selling)
        • Consumer Rights
        • Cheques
        • Income Tax
        • Online Bank Fraud
        • Rent
        • Theft
        • Will
      • Police and Courts
        • Arrest
        • Bail
        • Children accused of Crime
        • Contempt of Court
        • First Information Report (FIR)
        • Traffic Fines
      • Violence and Abuse
        • Acid Attack
        • Online Abuse
        • Ragging
        • Rape
        • Sexual Abuse of Children
        • Sexual Crimes
      • Work and Employment
        • Child Labour
        • Employment Contract
        • Maternity Benefit
        • Professional Ethics
        • Sexual Harassment at the Workplace
        • Wages
    • Nyaaya Weekly
    • Resources
      • Formats and Templates
      • Guides
      • Maps
      • Videos
    • Blogs
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Access to Justice
      • Collaborators
      • Media Coverage
    • Ask Nyaaya
    Nyaaya

    Hey if you have any comments please add them below the explainer. If you have any questions on the law, you can use the ASK NYAAYA tab to submit them. This will help us improve our content based on your contribution. Thanks!

    Stay updated with Nyaaya, connect with us through a newsletter, whatsapp, and whatsapp हिंदी

    Andhra Pradesh

    Girl Child Protection Scheme

    The Girl Child Protection Scheme is aimed at preventing gender discrimination by empowering and protecting rights of girl children through direct investment from the State Government. It provides a number of incentives to promote the empowerment of the girl child:

    • In case of a single girl child she is entitled to receive Rs.1.00 lakh after completion of 20 years of age.
    • In case of two girl children, both of them are entitled to receive Rs.30,000/- each, after completion of 20 years age.
    • Both “single girl child” and “two girl children” are entitled to receive Rs1,200/- per annum as scholarship from 9th class to 12th class (including ITI course) during their period of study, as a benefit under the scheme.

    More information on this scheme can be found here.

    Bangaru Thalli Scheme

    Bangaru Thalli is a welfare scheme for girls launched by Government of Andhra Pradesh. The scheme supports the family of a girl from her birth till her graduation. All the Below Poverty Line white card holders are eligible for the scheme.

    Details of the scheme can be found in the Andhra Pradesh Bangaru Thalli Girl Child Promotion and Empowerment Act, 2013.

    Assam

    Manjoni Scheme

    Under this scheme, Rs. 5000 is deposited by the State Government at the time of the birth of a girl child and the girl would get the matured value of this fixed deposit when she turns 18. In order to be eligible for this scheme, the girl child must be born in a Government hospital and the family should have adopted the two child norm.

    More information on this scheme can be found here.

    Bihar

    Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana

    Under this scheme the girl child gets financial assistance from her birth till graduation amounting to a total of Rs. 51,000. The funds will be dispersed over a period of time upon attaining a certain age and completion of certain prerequisites:

    • At birth: Rs 2000
    • Age 1 upon issuance of Aadhar card: Rs. 1000
    • Age 2: Rs. 2000
    • Passing 12th grade: Rs. 10,000
    • Graduation: Rs. 25,000

    These benefits are available to only 2 girls in a family and residents of Bihar. Girls coming from financially weaker backgrounds will be given priority. To apply to this scheme, the parents can visit the anganwadi centres, fill the application form and submit the necessary documents to the anganwadi workers.

    Goa

    MAMTA scheme for girl child

    With a view of improving the female sex ratio of the State, under this scheme an amount of Rs. 10000/- will be paid to all the mothers who deliver a girl child  (maximum 02 deliveries) in a registered medical institution. Eligible mothers can apply to the Child Development Project Officer through the local Anganwadi Centre with a copy of the Birth Certificate within 45 days from delivering the child. The benefits are directly credited to the declared Bank Account.

    There is an online application for this scheme. More information on this scheme can be found here.

    Gujarat

    Kunwarbai Nu Mameru Yojana

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development of Gujarat has launched a scheme called Kunwarbai Nu Mameru Yojana that offers financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 to only one girl of a family. However, this scheme has been started specifically for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes girls. Only those with an annual income limit of Rs. 1,20,000 (Rural areas) and Rs.1,50,000 (Urban areas) are eligible for this scheme.

    More information on this scheme can be found here.

    Haryana

    Laldi Scheme

    The Ladli Scheme of Haryana is meant to provide benefits to biological parents who have no son (biological or adopted) but only daughters. This scheme is only available to those who are either domicile of Haryana or working for the State government, whose gross annual income of the family does not exceed Rs. 2,00,000.

    The pattern of this scheme is similar to the Old Age Samman Allowance scheme for the families having only girl children. The enrolment of families under this scheme commences from the 45th birthday of the mother or the father whoever is older of the two till their 60th birthday i.e. for 15 years (Thereafter they will be eligible for Old Age Samman Allowance). The rate of allowance provided is Rs. 1,800 per month.

    More information on this scheme can be found here.

    Himachal Pradesh

    Indira Gandhi Balika Suraksha Yojana

    Under this scheme, the families adopting family planning methods after the birth of the first female child will be given a sum of Rs. 25,000 and those adopting family planning methods after the birth of two female children will be given a cash of Rs. 20,000.

    The health department of the Himachal Pradesh government also provides free of cost transportation either through taxi or ambulance for carrying pregnant women to the nearest hospital for delivery.

    Beti Hai Anmol Yojana

    Under this scheme, for all the families lying below the poverty line in Himachal and having one or two girls, a sum of Rs. 5100 will be deposited in the name of girls at the time of their birth. Moreover, to help in the education of such girls, scholarships ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1500 will be given to them from class I to class XII.

    More information on this scheme can be found here.

    Jammu and Kashmir

    Ladli Beti Scheme

    Under this scheme, financial assistance of Rs. 1000 per month is made by the Government from the birth of the girl child / account opening date for the next 14 years. For this, zero balance accounts have already been opened in the Jammu and Kashmir Bank in respective localities. This is only applicable to girls born on or after 1st April 2015, and whose parental income is less than Rs. 75,000 per annum.

    More information on this scheme can be found here.

    Jharkhand

    Ladli Lakshmi Yojana

    Under this scheme, the State government offers a girl child from families below poverty line benefits of Rs. 1,80,600. An amount of Rs. 6,000 will be deposited annually into the girls account till she turns 5 years old. Further amounts will be added upon completion of higher education, marriage and so on, along with monthly allowances of Rs. 200 for girl students.

    Karnataka

    Karnataka Bhagyashree Scheme

    With the idea of raising the status of girl children and promoting their birth in the country, the Karnataka government has come up with the Karnataka Bhagyashree Scheme. The scheme provides financial assistance to the girl child in families that lie below the poverty line through her mother or father who is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions.

    The government of Karnataka offers the following benefits to the eligible candidates of this scheme-

    • The girl child gets a health insurance cover of upto Rs. 25,000 per month
    • The child gets an annual scholarship of Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000, depending upon her age upto 10th standard
    • The parents get Rs. 1 lakh in case of accident and Rs. 42,500 in case of natural death of the girl child.
    • On completing 18 years of age, the parents of the girl child would be paid Rs. 34,751.

    Along with this, there are certain interim payments such as annual scholarships and insurance benefits that the beneficiary can avail upon continued fulfillment of the eligibility criteria. The grant of such facilities promotes the birth of girl children in economically weaker families and raises their status within the society.

    Kerala

    Education Assistance to Women Headed Families

    The scheme proposes to extend a helping hand to these families by way of providing financial assistance to the education of children by the State government.

    More information on this scheme can be found here.

    Hey if you have any comments please add them below the explainer. If you have any questions on the law, you can use the ASK NYAAYA tab to submit them. This will help us improve our content based on your contribution. Thanks!
    ASK NYAAYA