Mental harassment is a serious issue that can significantly affect a person’s emotional well-being, productivity, and peace of mind. Whether it happens at home, at the workplace, online, or over the phone, the law offers multiple remedies to help victims fight back. Thanks to digital advancements, you can now file a mental harassment complaint online easily and effectively.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about filing a mental harassment complaint online, along with information about women harassment complaint procedures, sexual harassment complaint mechanisms, call harassment complaint redressal, and how to reach out to the Human Rights Commission. We’ll also share how to fill out the complaint registration form for various platforms.
What is Mental Harassment?
Mental harassment, also known as psychological harassment, involves actions or behavior intended to cause emotional distress, anxiety, fear, or humiliation. It includes but is not limited to:
- Verbal abuse
- Threats or intimidation
- Constant criticism
- Isolation from social groups
- Online bullying or cyberstalking
- Repeated abusive phone calls
While physical abuse is often easier to identify, mental harassment leaves no visible scars but can have deep psychological consequences.
Legal Framework for Mental Harassment in India
The Indian legal system recognizes mental harassment under various sections of law:
- Section 498A of IPC: Protection for women from cruelty by husband or relatives.
- Section 509 of IPC: Insulting the modesty of a woman.
- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
- Information Technology Act, 2000: Covers cyber harassment and online abuse.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 73, 78, 81, and 113 (replacing older IPC sections) cover various aspects of online abuse, threats, and repeated offensive communication.
When Can You File a Mental Harassment Complaint Online?
You can file an online complaint when:
- You’re facing harassment at the workplace or home.
- Someone is repeatedly calling or threatening you (call harassment complaint).
- You’re being stalked or harassed online (including social media).
- You’re a woman facing gender-based harassment.
- Your sexual harassment complaint is being ignored or not taken seriously.
- You’re being mentally tortured by family members (common in dowry and domestic abuse cases).
- You’ve been unable to resolve the issue through local police or HR channels.
How to File a Mental Harassment Complaint Online
1. File a Complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal
If the harassment is through online platforms:
- Visit: https://cybercrime.gov.in
- Click on “Report Other Cyber Crimes”
- Create a login using your mobile number.
- Fill the complaint registration form with all details.
- Upload screenshots, chat logs, or any proof of abuse.
2. Women Helpline Portal – Nirbhaya
Women facing mental or sexual harassment complaints can reach out through:
- Nirbhaya helpline: 181
- NCW (National Commission for Women): http://ncw.nic.in
- Use the complaint section and fill out the complaint registration form with relevant details.
3. Online Complaint to Human Rights Commission
If your basic human dignity or right to live with respect is being violated:
- Visit: http://nhrc.nic.in
- Click on “File a complaint online”
- You can file a complaint for self or for someone else.
- Use this option in cases where government officers or institutions are involved.
4. She-Box for Workplace Harassment
Women who face mental harassment at workplace can use She-Box:
- Visit: https://shebox.nic.in
- It is linked with the Internal Complaint Committees of companies and ministries.
5. Police e-Complaint Portal
Almost every state in India has an online police complaint facility. Examples:
- Delhi Police: https://delhipolice.gov.in
- Maharashtra Police: https://mahapolice.gov.in
- Karnataka: https://ksp.karnataka.gov.in
Simply register, select “harassment” as the issue type, and submit the complaint registration form online.
Sample Complaint Format
Subject: Mental Harassment Complaint against [Name]
To: [Police Department/NCW/NHRC]
Description: I, [Your Name], residing at [Address], am being subjected to severe mental harassment by [Accused’s Name]. The harassment includes [List Incidents with Dates]. Despite my efforts to resolve the issue, it continues to affect my mental health, dignity, and peace of mind. I hereby request urgent legal and psychological intervention.
Attachments: Screenshots, voice recordings, witness statements, etc.
Date:
Signature:
How to File a Call Harassment Complaint
If someone is repeatedly calling you to abuse, threaten, or stalk:
- Block the number and take screenshots of the call logs.
- Report to the cybercrime portal with the number.
- File a report on the TRAI DND complaint system: https://www.dndcheck.in/
- Contact your telecom service provider and request an official record for the same.
- Submit a police complaint via your state’s online police complaint portal.
Importance of Evidence in Mental Harassment Cases
Your complaint is stronger when you have:
- Chat transcripts
- Phone recordings
- CCTV footage
- Emails or messages
- Eyewitness accounts
- Doctor’s notes if the harassment has led to medical or psychiatric help
Women Harassment Complaint – Special Provisions
Under Indian law, women are offered additional protections:
- Fast-track hearings
- Free legal aid
- Protection officers in every district
- In-camera court proceedings
- Option to file anonymously through women’s helplines and portals
You can file a women harassment complaint using:
- NCW portal
- She-Box
- State Women Commissions
- Police Station (with female officers available)
What Happens After You File an Online Mental Harassment Complaint?
- Verification: Authorities will verify your identity and examine the evidence.
- Investigation: If found valid, an FIR may be registered.
- Summon/Notice: The accused may be called in for questioning.
- Arrest (if necessary): Based on severity and evidence.
- Trial: Legal proceedings may begin in court.
You can also request counselling or psychological support through the helpline partners of these portals.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I file a mental harassment complaint online without visiting a police station?
Yes, portals like cybercrime.gov.in and state police sites allow filing complaints online.
2. What qualifies as mental harassment legally?
It includes any behavior that causes emotional trauma, such as threats, humiliation, isolation, or abusive language.
3. Can men also file mental harassment complaints?
Absolutely. Though most laws are tailored to protect women, men can file complaints under IPC and cybercrime laws.
4. What evidence do I need to support my harassment claim?
Screenshots, phone call recordings, eyewitness statements, and medical records.
5. How can I file a sexual harassment complaint at the workplace?
Use the She-Box portal or complain directly to your organization’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
6. How to file an online complaint to the Human Rights Commission?
Visit nhrc.nic.in, click on “Online Complaints,” and fill the detailed complaint form.
7. Is there a fee for filing a harassment complaint online?
No, filing a mental harassment complaint online is free of cost.
8. What is the punishment for mental harassment?
Depending on the section applied, punishment may include imprisonment (up to 3 years), fines, or both.
9. Can I withdraw my online complaint later?
Yes, but if the police have already registered an FIR, you may need to approach the court for quashing.
10. What if police refuse to act on my complaint?
You can escalate the matter to the SP of Police, State Human Rights Commission, or file a petition in court.
What is Better: Registering a Consumer Complaint or Sending a Legal Notice?
Choosing between filing a consumer complaint and sending a legal notice depends on the specific circumstances:
Consumer Complaints for Swift Resolution
Consumer complaints are generally preferred for their quicker and less formal approach, suitable for most disputes requiring timely resolutions.
Legal Notices for Serious Matters
Legal notices are more formal and are typically reserved for cases where the company has ignored or failed to address the consumer complaint adequately, signalling a readiness to pursue legal action.
Final Thoughts
Mental harassment is a growing concern, especially in an increasingly digital world. But with online redressal platforms and stronger legal protections, victims are now empowered to act. Whether you are facing workplace abuse, online trolling, domestic intimidation, or phone-based harassment—filing a mental harassment complaint online is the first step toward justice.
If you or someone you know is suffering silently, encourage them to speak up. Use the digital tools and resources available to make your voice heard.
Have you been a victim of mental or sexual harassment?
Don’t suffer in silence. File a mental harassment complaint online today through the NCW, Cybercrime Portal, or Human Rights Commission. Help is just a click away.