New women’s safety law on the cards? Karnataka asked to follow Tamil Nadu model

Panel writes to Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, seeking a comprehensive study and implementation of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act to enhance safety and legal protection for women in Karnataka.

The Karnataka State Women’s Commission has written a formal letter to Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation Minister H.K. Patil, urging the state government to consider introducing a law similar to the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998 in Karnataka.

In its communication, the Commission highlighted that Tamil Nadu’s law offers stronger legal protection and security for women, while also prescribing stricter punishment for offenders involved in harassment. The Commission has requested the state to carry out a detailed and comprehensive study of the Act and initiate steps to implement it in Karnataka.

According to the Commission, adopting such a law would significantly strengthen safeguards for girls and women in the state and act as a strong deterrent against harassment in both public and private spaces.

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The letter specifically refers to the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (Amendment) Act, 2025, under which the scope of harassment has been widened. The amended law clearly recognises physical, verbal and digital forms of harassment, bringing modern forms of abuse under its legal framework.

Under the amended provisions, the punishment for a first-time offence has been enhanced to imprisonment of up to five years, along with a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. The law also provides protection measures to prevent accused persons from contacting or intimidating victims.

The Act strictly prohibits harassment in schools, colleges, hospitals, hotels and all public places. Importantly, offences such as blackmail, threats and harassment through social media platforms have also been made punishable.

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The Women’s Commission believes that introducing a similar law in Karnataka would ensure stronger legal backing, faster action against offenders and improved safety for women across the state. The panel has therefore urged the government to take immediate steps towards studying and implementing the legislation.

About the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998

The Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998 was enacted to prevent and punish harassment of women in public places. The law empowers authorities to take swift action against offenders and mandates strict penalties.

With its 2025 amendment, the Act expanded the definition of harassment to include physical, verbal and digital abuse, enhanced punishments, and introduced victim protection measures. It also explicitly covers harassment in educational institutions, workplaces, healthcare facilities, hotels and public spaces, making it one of the strongest state-level laws for women’s safety in India.

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