Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Complaint Registration

A person intending to file a complaint before the National Commission for women may do so by making a complaint on the official website of the Commission ncwapps.nic.in under the section of 'register online complaints'. One can also send a written application containing all the important details (along with supporting documents, if any) through post or by hand.

2. Who Who can file a complaint before the National Commission for Women?

Any case involving deprivation of women’s right or harassment of women in India can be registered with the National Commission for Women. The complaint should disclose complete details of the matter with specific relief/intervention sought from the National Commission for Women.

3.What Category of complaints are entertained by the National Commission for Women?

Complaints related to following 19 broad categories are entertained by the National Commission for Women:

1. Bigamy/Polygamy
2. Cyber Crime against women
3. Dowry harassment/dowry death
4. Free legal aid for women
5. Gender discrimination including equal right to education & work
6. Indecent representation of women
7. Outraging modesty of women
8. Police apathy against women
9. Privacy of women and rights thereof
10. Reproductive health rights of women
11. Right to exercise choice in marriage
12. Right to live with dignity (Cruelty, Domestic Violence, Harassment)
13. Sex Selective abortion/ Female foeticide/ amniocentesis
14. Sexual harassment including sexual harassment at workplace
15. Stalking/Voyeurism
16. Traditional practices derogatory to women rights i.e. Sati pratha, devdasi pratha, witch hunting
17. Trafficking/ Prostitution of Women
18. Violence Against Women ( Rape, Attempt to Rape, Acid Attack, Sexual Assault)
19. Women’s right of custody of children in the event of divorce.

4. What complaints are not entertained by the National Commission for Women?

The following categories of complaints are liable to be summarily dismissed by the National Commission for Women:

• Complaints illegible or vague, anonymous or pseudonymous
• If the matter relates to a civil dispute between the parties such as contractual rights or obligations
• The issue raised relates to service matters not involving any deprivation of women’s rights
• The issue raised relates to labour/ industrial disputes not involving any deprivation of women’s rights
• Matter is sub judice in a Court/ Tribunal
• Matter is pending before a State Commission
• Matter has already been decided by the Commission Matter is outside the purview of the National Commission for Women on any other ground.

5. How will I know if my complaint has been accepted by the National Commission for Women?

An acknowledgment along with complaint number, login ID and password is sent to the complainant upon receipt of complaint by the National Commission for Women if the complaint has been accepted by the National Commission for Women. In the event of the complaint being rejected, the same shall be communicated to the complainant at the earliest. One can also check it telephonically or by personally visiting the National Commission for Women.

6. How can I check the status of my complaint?

If your complaint is accepted by the National Commission for Women you will be allotted a complaint number with login ID and password which can be used to track the status of your complaint on the website of the Commission. You can also check the same telephonically or by personally visiting the National Commission for Women.

7. What is your helpline No.?

For complaint related queries dial :- 011-26944880, 26944883

8. When can I contact NCW?

You can contact us anytime between 9.00 AM – 5.30 PM. Working Days - Monday to Friday or you can send details through email at any time.

9. What all information do I need to provide while filing a complaint?

• Contact details of the complainant and the respondent ( if available )
• Brief description of the incident
• Details of remedies already exhausted
• Supporting documents (If any)

10. How is my complaint processed in the National Commission for Women?

On receipt of a complaint, the commission:

1. Scrutinizes the complaint as per NCW mandate
2. Mandated complaints are registered and case number allotted
3. Non mandated complaints are summarily dismissed upon intimation
4. As per the nature of the complaint, the mandated complaints are taken up with the concerned authorities. Following actions are mainly taken to redress the grievances of the complainants :
   1. Expediting/monitoring police investigation
   2. Monitor proper implementation of statutory provisions
   3. Resolving the issues through mediation/counseling
   4. For serious crimes, the National Commission for Women forms an Inquiry committee which further examines various aspects of the case.

   11. If I am being sexually harassed at my work place can the National Commission for Women help me?

   Yes, you can file a complaint with National Commission for Women. The Commission will take up your case with your employer/concerned organization to monitor the proceedings of your complaint as per the mandatory provisions of the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013.

   12. If I am being deprived of the benefit of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 can I file a complaint with the National Commission for Women?

   Yes, you can approach the National Commission for Women in case your employer/ concerned organization is denying you the maternity benefit as per the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.

   13. If I’m having a marital discord with my husband and in-laws can I approach the National Commission for Women?

   Yes, you can seek the National Commission for Women or State Women Commission’s help if you want to resolve the issue through mediation, counseling or for expediting police investigation.