Understanding the SHE-Box complaint process
The Sexual Harassment Electronic Box (SHE Box) is an online platform launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India, to enable women employees to file complaints related to sexual harassment at the workplace. It serves as a single-window access point for women, whether working in the public or private sector, to report incidents of workplace harassment in a confidential and structured manner.
The portal’s primary objective is to simplify the process of reporting, strengthen accountability within organisations, and ensure timely redressal under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act).
- Accessing the SHE Box Portal
To initiate the process, the aggrieved woman must visit the official website of SHE Box at https://shebox.nic.in/
. The portal provides a user-friendly and secure interface, allowing complainants to register and submit complaints digitally without the need for physical paperwork or direct interaction with multiple authorities.
One of the key strengths of the SHE Box portal is that it is designed to prioritise safety and confidentiality. Women from any part of the country, including remote or informal work sectors, can access the portal through a smartphone or computer, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
- Filling Up the Complaint Form
After accessing the portal, the complainant is required to fill out an online complaint form. This form seeks basic personal details such as name, contact information, and employment details, followed by information about the respondent (the accused), including their designation and workplace.
The complainant must also provide a narrative of the incident, outlining what occurred, when and where it took place, and whether any prior complaints were made internally. The form encourages clear and factual descriptions to help the inquiry committee understand the context of the complaint.
To maintain integrity and prevent misuse, the portal includes a verification step through an OTP or registered email confirmation before final submission.
- Uploading Supporting Documents
Along with the complaint, the aggrieved woman can upload relevant evidence or supporting materials that substantiate her claims. These documents may include:
- Email or message exchanges
- Screenshots or photographs
- Audio/video evidence
- Written testimonies or notes
- Medical or police reports, if applicable
While it is not mandatory to upload documents at the time of filing, doing so strengthens the credibility and completeness of the complaint. The system also allows for the addition of supporting documents later, as the case progresses.
- Ensuring Confidentiality and Data Protection
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the SHE Box process. The identity of the complainant, witnesses, and the details of the case are strictly protected in compliance with Section 16 of the PoSH Act. The system uses secure digital encryption and controlled access protocols to ensure that only authorised officials and members of the Internal Committee (IC) can access the information.
This feature is critical, as one of the major deterrents to reporting harassment is the fear of retaliation or social stigma. By providing a secure and private environment, SHE Box empowers women to come forward without fear.
- Forwarding the Complaint to the Internal Committee (IC)
Once the complaint is submitted, the SHE Box portal automatically forwards it to the Internal Committee (IC) of the concerned organisation, or to the Local Committee (LC) in districts where the organisation does not have an IC.
The IC is mandated under the PoSH Act to conduct inquiries into sexual harassment complaints within the workplace. The system notifies the relevant authority electronically, ensuring no delays or miscommunication in forwarding the case.
If the complaint pertains to a Central Government employee, it is routed to the appropriate Central Ministry or Department through the same portal.
- Investigation by the Internal Committee
Upon receiving the complaint, the Internal Committee (IC) initiates an inquiry following the principles of natural justice. This means both the complainant and the respondent are given a fair opportunity to present their statements, evidence, and witnesses.
The IC is responsible for:
- Reviewing the evidence submitted through the portal
- Conducting interviews or hearings
- Recording statements in writing
- Maintaining strict confidentiality of all proceedings
The inquiry must be completed within 90 days from the date of receiving the complaint. After completing the inquiry, the IC submits its final report with findings and recommendations to the employer or district officer.
- Action Against the Respondent
If the IC concludes that the allegations are proven, it recommends appropriate disciplinary action in line with the service rules of the organisation. These actions may include:
- Written apology or warning
- Deduction of wages
- Suspension or termination
- Mandatory counseling or awareness sessions
The employer is legally bound to act on the IC’s recommendations within 60 days of receiving the report. In cases where the complaint is found to be malicious, the IC may also recommend action against the complainant, though such instances are rare and must be established beyond reasonable doubt.
- Tracking Complaint Status
The SHE Box portal offers a real-time complaint tracking system, allowing complainants to log in and monitor the progress of their case. Each case is assigned a unique reference number, and updates on inquiry status, IC actions, or resolution stages are available through the dashboard.
This transparency and accessibility ensure that the complainant remains informed and reassured throughout the redressal process.
Conclusion
The SHE Box portal represents a significant step toward digital empowerment, transparency, and accountability in implementing the PoSH Act. By integrating accessibility, confidentiality, and procedural fairness, it simplifies a process that many women once found intimidating.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of SHE Box lies not only in its technology but also in how organisations and individuals embrace its purpose, to create safer, more respectful workplaces for all.
Reach out to hello@serein.inc to know more.