Workplace sexual harassment in India continues to be a significant concern, impacting the safety and dignity of women in professional environments.
These occurrences, which range from inappropriate remarks to physical advances, frequently arise from power disparities and antiquated gender norms.
In 2025, it is anticipated that India will experience approximately 378 instances of workplace sexual harassment across its 28 states and 8 Union Territories (UTs), according to recent trends and data.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013—often referred to as the workplace harassment act in India—seeks to safeguard women, although the enforcement of this law varies considerably.
By examining the distribution of these cases by state, we can gain insights into where this issue is most prevalent, why certain states are at greater risk, and what changes are necessary.
The table below ranks all 36 states and UTs according to their projected workplace sexual harassment cases for 2025.
State-wise Sexual harassment at workplace cases in India
| Rank | State/UT | Estimated Cases (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Himachal Pradesh | 105 |
| 2 | Maharashtra | 50 |
| 3 | Karnataka | 47 |
| 4 | Kerala | 91 |
| 5 | Uttar Pradesh | 30 |
| 6 | Delhi | 25 |
| 7 | Madhya Pradesh | 15 |
| 8 | Bihar | 12 |
| 9 | Rajasthan | 12 |
| 10 | Telangana | 12 |
| 11 | Gujarat | 10 |
| 12 | Tamil Nadu | 10 |
| 13 | Haryana | 9 |
| 14 | Andhra Pradesh | 8 |
| 15 | Odisha | 8 |
| 16 | Jharkhand | 7 |
| 17 | Chhattisgarh | 6 |
| 18 | Punjab | 6 |
| 19 | Assam | 5 |
| 20 | Uttarakhand | 5 |
| 21 | Chandigarh | 4 |
| 22 | Jammu and Kashmir | 3 |
| 23 | West Bengal | 2 |
| 24 | Goa | 1 |
| 25 | Manipur | 1 |
| 26 | Meghalaya | 1 |
| 27 | Puducherry | 1 |
| 28 | Tripura | 1 |
| 29 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 0 |
| 30 | Arunachal Pradesh | 0 |
| 31 | DNHDD | 0 |
| 32 | Ladakh | 0 |
| 33 | Lakshadweep | 0 |
| 34 | Mizoram | 0 |
| 35 | Nagaland | 0 |
| 36 | Sikkim | 0 |
Himachal Pradesh has the highest number of cases at 105, followed by Maharashtra with 50 cases, Karnataka with 47 cases, and Kerala with 91 cases.
Together, these four states represent nearly 75% of the total cases. Uttar Pradesh, with 30 cases, and Delhi, with 25 cases, also feature prominently, while 8 states and Union Territories, including Sikkim and Lakshadweep, report no cases at all.
This raises the question: why do some states experience a high number of cases while others report none? Let us delve into the factors contributing to these statistics.
Reasons for the High Sexual Harassment Cases from Himachal Pradesh and Southern States
Himachal Pradesh (105 cases): It is noteworthy that this relatively small state, with a population of just 7.5 million (as estimated in 2023), leads the nation with 27.78% of India’s total cases.
According to a report from The Tribune in 2024, the rapid expansion of the tourism and hospitality sectors, which employ a significant number of women in hotels and resorts, is a key factor behind this increase.
These industries often lack robust internal complaint committees (ICCs), as mandated by the workplace harassment act in India.
Additionally, the weak oversight in rural areas, where approximately 90% of the population resides (according to the 2011 Census), contributes to the issue.
Women in low-paying jobs are at a greater risk, and cultural norms frequently discourage them from reporting incidents.
Kerala (91 cases): Kerala’s case count, accounting for 24.07% of the total, is particularly striking, especially given its impressive literacy rate of 94% (as per the 2011 Census).
An article from The Hindu in 2023 highlights the state’s expanding IT and healthcare sectors, where a substantial number of women are employed.
These industries tend to report incidents due to the power imbalances between senior male employees and junior female staff.
Although Kerala has implemented effective awareness campaigns, the problem of underreporting persists, indicating that the actual number of cases may be even higher.
Maharashtra (50 cases): Representing 13.23% of the total cases, Maharashtra’s statistics are concentrated in urban centers such as Mumbai and Pune.
A report from the Times of India in 2024 emphasizes the state’s flourishing corporate and entertainment sectors, where women encounter harassment from both colleagues and clients.
Although the workplace harassment legislation in India requires the establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), numerous small enterprises in Maharashtra do not adhere to this requirement, according to a study by India Today in 2023.
The rapid work culture in Mumbai further contributes to an atmosphere where complaints are often overlooked.
Karnataka (47 cases): Accounting for 12.43% of the cases, Karnataka’s technology hub, Bengaluru, is the primary source of most incidents.
A report from the Deccan Herald in 2024 indicates that the IT industry, which employs more than 2 million individuals, experiences frequent harassment cases due to extended working hours and hierarchical structures.
Women working in startups or on contract are at a greater risk, as these companies frequently lack adequate ICCs.
While the urban expansion in Karnataka contributes to the rise in cases, its awareness initiatives help maintain lower figures compared to Himachal Pradesh.
Other states with high Sexual Harassment Cases
Uttar Pradesh (30 cases): Accounting for 7.94% of the total cases, Uttar Pradesh, which is India’s most populous state with an estimated population of 230 million in 2023, experiences incidents primarily due to its extensive workforce engaged in informal sectors such as manufacturing.
A report from Hindustan Times in 2024 indicates that the enforcement of the workplace harassment act in rural areas is inadequate, where women working in small factories often encounter harassment.
Additionally, a study by The Indian Express in 2023 reveals that patriarchal attitudes further discourage reporting of such incidents.
Delhi (25 cases): Representing 6.61% of the cases, Delhi’s urban setting, home to approximately 33 million residents as of 2023, fosters incidents in both office environments and public sector employment.
An article from The Wire in 2024 points out that government offices frequently do not implement Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) effectively.
Women employed in lower-wage service positions, such as retail, are at a heightened risk due to existing power imbalances.
Why some States have Low or zero Sexual Harassment Cases?
States such as Assam and Uttarakhand (each with 5 cases), Chandigarh (4 cases), and Jammu and Kashmir (3 cases) exhibit low case numbers.
According to a 2023 report from The Assam Tribune, Assam’s limited urban workforce and robust community monitoring contribute to the reduction of cases.
The compact size and stringent governance of Chandigarh are beneficial, while Uttarakhand enjoys advantages from its low population density.
The eight states and Union Territories (UTs) reporting zero cases—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, DNHDD, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim—possess characteristics such as small populations or minimal industrial activity.
For instance, Lakshadweep, with an estimated population of 70,000 in 2023, and the absence of large workplaces, leads to fewer incidents.
Nevertheless, a 2024 report from The Wire cautions that underreporting in remote regions like Mizoram may conceal cases due to societal stigma.
Why These Patterns Exist
Several factors elucidate the variations in workplace sexual harassment across different states in India:
Workforce Size and Type: States with substantial urban workforces, such as Maharashtra and Karnataka, experience a higher incidence of cases due to the increased presence of women in offices and industries. The tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh presents distinct risks.
Enforcement of the Workplace Harassment Act: The Workplace Harassment Act in India mandates the establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), yet adherence is inconsistent.
A study conducted by The Hindu in 2024 revealed that only 40% of companies in Uttar Pradesh have operational ICCs.
Cultural Norms: In states like Bihar and Rajasthan, patriarchal values discourage women from reporting incidents, as noted in a 2023 report by BBC India.
Conversely, southern states such as Kerala exhibit more progressive cultural norms but still encounter challenges.
Urban vs. Rural Divide: Urban centers like Delhi and Bengaluru report a higher number of cases due to larger workplaces, while rural regions in Madhya Pradesh experience incidents stemming from inadequate oversight.
Awareness and Reporting: States that implement awareness campaigns, such as Kerala, tend to report a greater number of cases because women feel more secure in coming forward, according to a 2024 report from Deccan Chronicle.
What India can do to Improve women safety?
To address workplace sexual harassment in India, it is imperative for states to take action.
Firstly, the enforcement of the workplace harassment act in India must be prioritized by ensuring that all workplaces, particularly small enterprises, have functioning Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs).
Secondly, it is essential to conduct awareness campaigns in educational institutions and workplaces to empower women to report incidents of harassment.
Thirdly, it is crucial to offer legal and psychological support to victims, as demonstrated by the initiatives of Delhi’s women’s commissions (2024 data).
Lastly, it is important to tackle power imbalances by promoting women into leadership positions, particularly in high-risk states such as Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Source
- Business Standard. (2024). IT sector and workplace safety: Progress in Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
- Deccan Chronicle. (2024). Awareness campaigns empower women to report workplace harassment in Kerala.
- The Hindu. (2024). Compliance with workplace harassment act: A national overview.
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