Ch. V · Inquiry & Relief
- Official source
- India Code, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India
- Source version
- India Code PDF — last updated 31 August 2021
- Source location
- India Code PDF, pp. 3–14
- Retrieved
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Chapter V
Chapter V
Inquiry into Complaint
Inquiry process, interim relief, findings, compensation, confidentiality, and appeal rights.
Sections in this chapter
Action during pendency of inquiry
While the inquiry is still underway, the committee can recommend practical protective measures on a written request from the aggrieved woman.
Inquiry report
The committee must submit its findings report to the employer or District Officer within ten days of completing the inquiry.
Punishment for false or malicious complaint and false evidence
If the committee finds that the complaint was made maliciously, knowing it was false, or with forged documents, it may recommend action against the complainant.
Determination of compensation
When the committee recommends compensation, it must consider five specific factors: mental trauma and suffering, loss of career opportunity, medical expenses, the respondent's income, and whether payment should be lump sum or in instalments.
Prohibition of publication or making known contents of complaint and inquiry proceedings
The complaint, the identities of all parties and witnesses, inquiry proceedings, committee recommendations, and the action taken cannot be published or communicated to the public, press, or media in any manner.
Penalty for publication or making known contents of complaint and inquiry proceedings
A person entrusted with a duty to handle or deal with the complaint, inquiry, recommendations or action who contravenes Section 16 is liable for the Section 17 penalty framework.
Appeal
Any person aggrieved by the recommendations identified in Section 18(1), including specified recommendations under Sections 13, 14 and 17, or by their non-implementation, may prefer an appeal.
About This Chapter
More About Chapter V
Chapter V is the procedural heart of the Act. It covers the inquiry process, interim relief during pendency, the inquiry report, treatment of false complaints, compensation determination, confidentiality obligations, penalties for breaches, and appeal rights.
The inquiry has structure, evidence handling, hearing rights, and a hard outer timeline of ninety days. The committee must provide its report to the employer or District Officer within ten days of completion.
Confidentiality is a statutory duty under Section 16. The complaint, identities, witness details, and all inquiry material cannot be published or communicated to the public, press, or media.
Key Stakeholders
Themes