It aims to strengthen the existing legislation and provide enhanced protection for women against harassment and mandates that complaints made by women should be addressed within 24 hours.
Published Jan 10, 2025 | 2:01 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 10, 2025 | 2:01 PM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin speaking in the Assembly. (Screengrab)
The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday, 10 January, passed the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (Amendment) Bill, significantly increasing penalties.
The bill presented in the Assembly by Chief Minister MK Stalin also expanded the definition of harassment to include digital and electronic acts.
It aims to strengthen the existing legislation and provide enhanced protection for women against harassment and mandates that complaints made by women should be addressed within 24 hours.
The bill is expected to be sent to state Governor RN Ravi for his approval to make it a law. Once the bill becomes law, the penalties for harassing women will be enhanced.
If a person is convicted of harassing a woman for the first time, it could lead to five years imprisonment and/or ₹1 lakh fine. Earlier it was three years and ₹10,000. Further, subsequent convictions could lead to up to 10 years imprisonment and ₹10 lakh fine.
The bill also states enhanced punishments in harassment cases involving the death of women.
It also mandates that all workplaces install CCTV cameras and that the management must ensure proper coverage.
The bill mandates that complaints must be addressed within 24 hours and that failure results in a fine of ₹50,000. Earlier, there was no time limit but a fine of up to ₹2,000.
Additionally, if a public transport crew fails to report harassment, a fine of ₹25,000 will be imposed. Increased from ₹1,000.
(With inputs from K Nitika Shivani.)
