The Government of Tamil Nadu has notified the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (Amendment) Act, 2025 (“Amendment Act”) to further amend the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998 (“Principal Act”), with effect from 25th January, 2025.
Key Amendments:
- The Amendment Act significantly expands the legal definition of harassment, encompassing any indecent conduct, act, or behaviour by a man—whether physical, verbal, non-verbal, digital or electronic—that instils intimidation, fear, embarrassment or shame. The revised scope now also includes threats, abuse, assault and the use of force;
- Increases penalties for harassment offenses: first conviction: imprisonment of up to five (5) years and a fine of at least Rs.1 lakh, a significant enhancement from the erstwhile maximum penalty of three (3) years of imprisonment and a Rs. 10,000 fine;
- Second or subsequent convictions now attract imprisonment ranging from five to ten years, coupled with a fine of Rs. 10 lakhs;
- Mandates educational institutions, hotels, hospitals, temples and other public spaces to implement robust security measures, including CCTV installation, improved lighting and other preventive safeguards;
- persons in charge of these institutions must report any instance of harassment to the police within 24 hours of its occurrence;
- Failure to implement mandated protective measures now incurs a penalty of up to Rs. 50,000/-; a stark increase from the erstwhile fine of Rs. 2,000/-;
- The Amendment Act introduces a provision allowing victims to seek Protection Orders from an Executive Magistrate if they perceive an imminent risk of continued harassment;
- Prohibits the accused from establishing any form of contact with the victim, including personal, oral, written, electronic or third-party communication;
- Violations of Protection Orders invite up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs.1 lakh.
Source: Government of Tamil Nadu
