Under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), every employer with 10 or more employees must constitute an Internal Committee, have a policy, display its details and the penalties, run awareness programmes, and file an annual report with the District Officer. Complaints must be made within 3 months and inquiries completed within 90 days. Non-compliance can cost up to ₹50,000, doubling on repeat with possible cancellation of the business licence.
- Applies to
- 10 or more employees
- Inquiry
- Within 90 days
- Annual report
- To the District Officer
- Penalty
- Up to ₹50,000
Internal Committee (IC)
- A Presiding Officer: a woman employed at a senior level.
- At least two members from among employees, committed to the cause of women or with legal or social work experience.
- One external member from an NGO or association committed to women's causes, or familiar with sexual harassment issues.
- At least half the members must be women. Members hold office for up to three years.
- Constitute an IC at every office or administrative unit.
Employer duties
- Adopt and circulate a POSH policy.
- Display the penal consequences of sexual harassment and the IC's composition at a conspicuous place.
- Organise workshops and awareness programmes, and orientation for IC members.
- Give the IC the facilities to deal with complaints and conduct inquiries.
- Act on the IC's recommendations within 60 days of receiving the report.
- Ensure the IC prepares an annual report for the employer and the District Officer.
- Companies must also state in their board's report that they comply with the provisions on the Internal Committee.
Complaint timelines
| Step | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Complaint by the aggrieved woman | Within 3 months of the incident (extendable by 3 months) |
| Copy of complaint to respondent | Within 7 days |
| Respondent's reply | Within 10 days |
| Inquiry completed | Within 90 days |
| Inquiry report to employer | Within 10 days of completion |
| Employer acts on recommendations | Within 60 days |
| Appeal against recommendations | Within 90 days |
Workplaces with fewer than 10 employees are covered by the Local Committee set up by the District Officer.
Frequently asked questions
Is POSH mandatory for a company with fewer than 10 employees?
An Internal Committee is not required, but the Act still applies: complaints go to the Local Committee constituted by the District Officer. Having a policy is good practice.
What is the penalty for not constituting an Internal Committee?
Up to ₹50,000. For a repeat offence, twice the penalty, and the government can cancel or refuse to renew the employer's licence or registration.
Does POSH apply to remote and hybrid workplaces?
Yes. 'Workplace' includes any place visited by the employee arising out of or during employment, and courts have applied the Act to work-related online conduct.
More compliance guides
See all deadlines on the compliance calendar, or browse the compliance hub.
This guide is general information based on the law as of 25 October 2026, not legal advice. Rules and dates can change by notification; speak to a professional about your situation.