False Sexual Harassment Allegations Create Psychological Burden On Innocent Accused, Must Be Dealt With 'Iron Fist': Punjab & Haryana HC

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed police to conduct investigation against a woman suspected of filing multiple false sexual harassment cases, observing that the "practice of filing false complaints of sexual harassment needs to be dealt with an iron fist in order to deter people from executing their nefarious designs and protect the interests of the innocent. The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed police to conduct investigation against a woman suspected of filing multiple false sexual harassment cases, observing that the "practice of filing false complaints of sexual harassment needs to be dealt with an iron fist in order to deter people from executing their nefarious designs and protect the interests of the innocent victims." "In case the allegations levelled by the petitioner are found to be false and manipulated, the DGP, Haryana is directed to take strict action against her, in accordance with law," the Court added. Raising concern over rising sexual harassment cases in the Country, the judge said, "by instituting false cases, the sufferings of the victims are undermined, leading to a perception among women that even if they step forward to report an offence, they will not be taken seriously either by the investigating agency or the Court."