---
title: "Litigation and Dispute Resolution"
date: 2025-05-07
author: "IndiaLaw LLP"
url: https://www.indialaw.in/expertise/sexual-harassment-at-workplace-posh/litigation-and-dispute-resolution/
---

![POSH Litigation Lawyers in India: Courts & Appeals](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/3233158.jpg)

# Litigation and Dispute Resolution

## POSH Litigation Law Firm for Appeals, Writ Petitions and Workplace Disputes

## **When a POSH Matter Goes to Court**

When a POSH matter turns into formal legal proceedings, we represent and advise employers, employees and Internal Committee members. The work covers appeals against committee findings, defence against false complaints, retaliation claims and the employment and reputational issues that follow.

The first route is an appeal under Section 18 of the POSH Act, filed within 90 days of the committee’s recommendations, before the appellate authority under the employer’s service rules or, where there are none, the authority notified under Rule 11. Findings are also challenged in writ petitions before the High Courts, particularly where the employer is a government body or authority, and in labour and civil proceedings that follow disciplinary action.

Criminal law runs alongside. Sexual harassment is an offence under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which replaced Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code from 1 July 2024. The employer must help the complainant file a criminal complaint if she chooses to (Section 19 of the POSH Act).

## Our Services

- Representation in civil and labor courts, High Courts, and quasi-judicial bodies
- Defense in malicious or false complaint cases and IC overreach allegations
- Legal remedies for complainants facing retaliation or victimization
- Drafting legal notices, replies, and petitions related to POSH matters
- Strategic legal counsel on disciplinary actions and employment law interface
- Handling appeals against IC decisions and external inquiries
- Managing media exposure, confidentiality breaches, and reputational fallout

## Key Highlights

**Grounds commonly raised in challenges to POSH findings**

- The committee was not properly constituted, for example without an external member or a senior woman as Presiding Officer
- A party was denied a fair hearing or the evidence relied on
- The findings are not supported by the evidence or give no reasons
- The inquiry ran well beyond the statutory timelines
- Confidentiality was breached
- The employer’s action went beyond the committee’s recommendations or ignored its own service rules

In Aureliano Fernandes v. State of Goa (2023), the Supreme Court set aside an inquiry against a university teacher because the principles of natural justice had not been followed in the inquiry.

## Related Expertise

[Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH)](https://www.indialaw.in/expertise/sexual-harassment-at-workplace-posh/)[Training and Awareness Programs](https://www.indialaw.in/expertise/sexual-harassment-at-workplace-posh/training-and-awareness-programs/)[Investigations and Proceedings](https://www.indialaw.in/expertise/sexual-harassment-at-workplace-posh/investigations-and-proceedings/)[Internal Committee (IC) Support And Management](https://www.indialaw.in/expertise/sexual-harassment-at-workplace-posh/internal-committee-ic-support-and-management/)[POSH Advisory and Compliance](https://www.indialaw.in/expertise/sexual-harassment-at-workplace-posh/posh-advisory-and-compliance/)

[![Nidhi Singh, Partner at IndiaLaw LLP](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/Nidhi-Photoroom-e1740651989744.png)

#### Nidhi Singh

Partner

contact@indialaw.in](https://www.indialaw.in/people/adv-nidhi-singh/)[![](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/1000247406-Edited.webp)

#### Arpita Dutta

Partner

contact@indialaw.in](https://www.indialaw.in/people/arpita-dutta/)[![](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/Ratnakar-IndiaLaw.webp)

#### Ratnakar Srivastava

Head: Technology and Data Protection Laws

ratnakar@indialaw.in](https://www.indialaw.in/people/ratnakar-srivastava/)

### FAQs

#### How do I appeal against an Internal Committee's recommendations?

Under Section 18 of the POSH Act, within 90 days of the recommendations. The appeal goes to the appellate authority under the employer’s service rules, or where there are none, to the authority notified under Rule 11 of the POSH Rules.

#### Can an employee of a private company file a writ petition against an Internal Committee decision?

Writ petitions under Article 226 lie mainly against the State and bodies performing public functions. High Courts have taken differing views on writs against the committees of private employers, so the Section 18 appeal and civil or labour remedies are usually the starting point.

#### Which criminal law applies alongside the POSH Act?

Sexual harassment is an offence under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which replaced Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code from 1 July 2024. The POSH inquiry and any criminal case run independently, and the employer must help the complainant file a police complaint if she chooses to.

#### What is the penalty for breaching confidentiality in a POSH matter?

Section 16 bars publishing or disclosing the complaint, the identities of the parties and witnesses, the inquiry proceedings, the recommendations and the action taken. A person who breaches this is liable to penalty under the employer’s service rules or, where there are none, a sum of ₹5,000 under Rule 12.

#### Can an employee be dismissed on the basis of the committee's findings?

The committee recommends and the employer acts, within 60 days, under its service rules. Where there are no service rules, Rule 9 lists the possible actions, from a written apology, warning or reprimand to withholding promotion or increments and termination. The employer’s own disciplinary procedure still has to be followed for the action to survive a challenge.

#### What can a respondent do about a false complaint?

If the committee concludes that the complaint was false or malicious, or that documents were forged, it can recommend action against the complainant under Section 14. Separate civil or criminal remedies, such as a defamation claim, may also be available depending on the facts, but the confidentiality obligations under Section 16 continue to apply.

## Related Insights

[View All →](https://www.indialaw.in/infocus/)

[May 26, 2026

![departmental inquiry POSH Act ICC - - A gavel striking a sound block, symbolizing justice and legal authority in a courtroom](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/stock-pexels-1779776017817-1080x720.webp)

### Departmental Proceedings Cannot Override POSH Procedure, MP High Court →](https://www.indialaw.in/blog/labour/departmental-proceedings-posh-procedure-mp-high/)[April 29, 2026

![High Court building representing a ruling quashing a sexual harassment FIR against an employer](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/High-Court-Quashes-Sexual-Harassment-FIR-Against-Employer-1080x720.png)

### F*** OFF! High Court Quashes Sexual Harassment FIR Against Employer Over Use of Abusive Language in Work Email →](https://www.indialaw.in/blog/criminal/sexual-harassment-fir-quashed/)[December 26, 2024

![Recognizing and Addressing Sexual Harassment at Work: A Legal Overview](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/Recognizing-and-Addressing-Sexual-Harassment-at-Work-A-Legal-Overview-1080x607.jpg)

### Recognizing and Addressing Sexual Harassment at Work: A Legal Overview →](https://www.indialaw.in/blog/civil/addressing-sexual-harassment-work/)[April 27, 2026

![Woman working late at her office desk.](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/lkudmgml9fa-1080x608.jpg)

### The Impermissibility of Pre-ICC Ad Hoc Committees Under the PoSH Act: Insights from the Delhi High Court →](https://www.indialaw.in/blog/posh/ad-hoc-committee-under-posh-act-illegal/)[June 18, 2026

![Public Transport and the Sexual Harassment - Two colleagues walking on the New York subway platform, engaging in casual conve](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/public-transport-and-the-sexual-harassment-act-1781778215881-1080x720.webp)

### Public Transport and the Sexual Harassment Act: The Bombay High Court Clarifies the Scope of “Workplace” →](https://www.indialaw.in/blog/labour/workplace-definition-sexual-harassment-act/)[December 30, 2025

![mandatory posh audit](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/2zzp12chxhu-1080x718.jpg)

### Mandatory PoSH Audit: Review of the Gurugram ADC’s 2025 Compliance Checklist →](https://www.indialaw.in/blog/posh/mandatory-posh-audit-gurugram-ad/)

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# IndiaLaw LLP — Offices & Contact Details

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## General Contact

| | |
|---|---|
| **Website** | https://www.indialaw.in |
| **Primary email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Primary phone** | +91 836-9995919 |
| **Contact form** | https://www.indialaw.in/connect/ |
| **Careers (separate channel)** | https://www.indialaw.in/careers/ |


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## All Offices (9 locations across 8 cities)

### 1. Mumbai — Registered Office & Head Office (Apeejay Chambers)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Apeejay Chambers, Ground Floor, Wallace Street, Fort, Mumbai – 400 001 |
| **Phone** | [022-6924-7400](tel:02269247400) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/mumbai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Arbitration · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Corporate · Banking · Real Estate · IP |
| **Notes** | The HQ. 5 partners based here. Handles PAN-India litigation, arbitration, corporate, banking, IP and real estate practice. Largest team across all offices. |

### 2. Mumbai — Non-Litigation Office (Excelsior, Fort)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | 4th Floor, New Excelsior Theatre Pvt. Ltd., Amrit Keshav Nayak Marg, Fort, Mumbai – 400 001 |
| **Phone** | [022-697-40500](tel:022-697-40500) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/mumbai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Non-litigation only — consultations, negotiations, transactional work |
| **Notes** | Opened 2024. Litigation and arbitration remain at the Apeejay Chambers head office. |

### 3. Delhi

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Flat No. 1107 & 1108, Prakashdeep Building, Tolstoy Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110 001 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/delhi/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Arbitration · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Corporate · Banking · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | 3 partners based here. Located near the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court and other appellate bodies. |

### 4. Kolkata

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Centre Point Building, Room No. 214, 2nd Floor, Premises No. 21, Hemanta Basu Sarani, Opp. Great Eastern Hotel, P.S. Hare Street, Kolkata – 700 001, West Bengal |
| **Phone** | [+91 33 4813 1001](tel:+913348131001) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/kolkata/ |
| **Practice focus** | Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Commercial & Civil Litigation · Arbitration · Banking Litigation · Real Estate · Labour & Employment · Consumer |
| **Notes** | Advises banks, NBFCs, MSMEs and corporates on transactions and dispute resolution. Works in close coordination with the Mumbai HO. |

### 5. Chennai

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | GF-A, 19 Casa Major Road, Egmore, Chennai – 600 008 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/chennai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Full-fledged office with experienced legal team. Supported by Mumbai HO. |

### 6. Bengaluru (Bangalore)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | INDIALAW LLP, No. 7 Chinnaswamy Mudaliar Road, Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore – 560 051 |
| **Phone** | [080-4167-2444](tel:08041672444) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/bengaluru/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate · Family Laws · Labour |
| **Notes** | Located near Bangalore High Court. Handles corporate, commercial, banking and matrimonial disputes. |

### 7. Hyderabad

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | 403, 4th Floor, Sanatana Ecstasy Building, beside Tanishq Show Room, Himayathnagar, Hyderabad – 500 029, Telangana |
| **Phone** | [040-6666-5166](tel:04066665166) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/hyderabad/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Banking · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Particularly well known for complex banking matters and real estate transactions. |

### 8. Cochin (Kochi)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Second Floor, Pulikkal Building, K.K. Padmanabhan Road, Ernakulam North – 682 018, Kerala |
| **Phone** | [0484-3583961](tel:04843583961) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/cochin/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Commercial disputes, property litigation, financial-claim arbitrations and real estate transactions. |

### 9. Noida (NCR)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | No. 16 & 17, Silver Offices, 17th Floor, Wave One, Sector 18, Noida – 201 301 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/noida/ |
| **Practice focus** | Aviation · Insurance · Mergers & Acquisitions · Corporate |
| **Office head** | **Mr. Dinesh Gupta** (joined August 2025 to lead and expand the corporate practice) |
| **Notes** | Newest office. Sector-focused on highly regulated industries serving NCR-based clients. |

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## Quick-Dial Phone List

| Office | Phone |
|---|---|
| Mumbai HO (Apeejay) | 022-6924-7400 |
| Mumbai Excelsior | 022-697-40500 |
| Kolkata | +91 33 4813 1001 |
| Bengaluru | 080-4167-2444 |
| Hyderabad | 040-6666-5166 |
| Cochin | 0484-3583961 |
| **General / Marketing line** | **+91 836-9995919** |

Delhi, Chennai and Noida route through the general number.

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## Social Channels

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indialaw
- X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/Indialawmumbai
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indialawllp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indialawllp

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