Verbal Abuse: A Recognized and Punishable Offense Under Indian Law

Q: Is verbal abuse in the workplace punishable?

Yes, verbal abuse in the workplace is punishable under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 . If the abuse includes inappropriate remarks, threats, or comments of a sexual nature, it qualifies as workplace harassment. Employers are required to set up internal complaints committees to address such cases promptly. Victims can file complaints and seek redressal, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. Non-compliance by employers can result in penalties, emphasizing the importance of protecting employees’ rights.

Verbal abuse, often dismissed as mere words, can cause deep psychological scars and is recognized as a serious offense under Indian law. The legal framework in India acknowledges the detrimental impact of verbal abuse on individuals and society, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

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Understanding Verbal Abuse

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Verbal abuse involves the use of words to insult, demean, intimidate, or harass another person. It can take many forms, including insults, threats, profanity, or disparaging remarks aimed at undermining the victim’s self-esteem. While verbal abuse may not leave physical marks, its psychological and emotional effects can be profound and long-lasting. In many cases, verbal abuse is an element of domestic violence, workplace harassment, or bullying. It can occur in any relationship or setting—be it between spouses, employer and employee, or strangers in a public space. Recognizing its serious consequences, Indian laws provide remedies to protect victims and punish offenders.

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Legal Provisions Addressing Verbal Abuse

Indian Penal Code (IPC)
- Section 294: Penalizes obscene acts or words in public places. If someone uses obscene language in a public space, they can be punished with imprisonment up to three months, a fine, or both.
- Section 506: Addresses criminal intimidation. If an individual threatens another with injury to person, reputation, or property, they can face imprisonment, a fine, or both.
- Section 509: Protects the modesty of women. Words, gestures, or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman can lead to imprisonment of up to one year, a fine, or both.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005-Verbal and emotional abuse is explicitly recognized as a form of domestic violence under this Act. Women subjected to verbal abuse by a family member can seek protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013-Verbal abuse, when it constitutes sexual harassment at the workplace, is punishable under this Act. Employers are mandated to address complaints and ensure a safe working environment for women.
Information Technology Act, 2000-In the digital age, verbal abuse often occurs online. Section 66A (now struck down) previously dealt with offensive online messages. However, under Section 67 of the Act, obscene electronic content remains punishable.

Challenges and the Way Forward

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Despite legal provisions, victims often hesitate to report verbal abuse due to fear of stigma or retaliation. Awareness campaigns and sensitization programs are vital to encourage reporting and educate people about their rights. Law enforcement agencies must be trained to handle such complaints sensitively. Furthermore, verbal abuse cases require evidence, which can be challenging to produce. Recording abusive interactions or gathering witnesses can help strengthen a victim’s case.

Conclusion

Verbal abuse is not a trivial matter but a punishable offense under Indian law. By addressing this issue through legal means, society sends a strong message that abuse in any form is unacceptable. It is essential for individuals to understand their rights and seek justice, fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all.

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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ'S)

What is considered verbal abuse under Indian law?

Verbal abuse involves using language to insult, demean, intimidate, or harass someone. It can include threats, obscenities, derogatory remarks, or insults targeting a person’s dignity, modesty, or mental well-being. Indian laws recognize verbal abuse in contexts like domestic violence, workplace harassment, and public misconduct. Relevant provisions in the Indian Penal Code (Sections 294, 506, and 509), the Domestic Violence Act, and the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act ensure that victims of verbal abuse can seek justice. Whether in person or online, such behavior can be legally actionable if it harms a person emotionally, mentally, or socially.

Which sections of the IPC address verbal abuse?

The Indian Penal Code has specific sections addressing verbal abuse:

Section 294: Penalizes obscene language in public places, punishable with imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Section 506: Deals with criminal intimidation through threats, leading to potential imprisonment or fines.
Section 509: Protects women from verbal insults targeting their modesty, with penalties including imprisonment or fines.
These provisions aim to ensure accountability for verbal abuse, depending on the context and the nature of the harm caused to the victim.

Can verbal abuse in domestic relationships be punished?

Yes, verbal abuse in domestic relationships is punishable under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. This Act classifies verbal and emotional abuse as forms of domestic violence. A victim can seek protection orders, monetary compensation, or other relief through the courts. Examples include insults, threats, or derogatory remarks aimed at causing emotional distress. This law empowers women to take legal action against abusive family members, ensuring their safety and dignity within their home environment.

Is verbal abuse in the workplace punishable?

Yes, verbal abuse in the workplace is punishable under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. If the abuse includes inappropriate remarks, threats, or comments of a sexual nature, it qualifies as workplace harassment. Employers are required to set up internal complaints committees to address such cases promptly. Victims can file complaints and seek redressal, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. Non-compliance by employers can result in penalties, emphasizing the importance of protecting employees’ rights.

What should I do if I experience verbal abuse online?

If you face verbal abuse online, document the abuse (screenshots, messages) and report it to the platform’s grievance system. You can also file a complaint under the Information Technology Act, 2000 or relevant IPC sections. Section 67 of the IT Act penalizes obscene or abusive electronic content. Visit your local police station or file an online complaint with the cybercrime cell. Maintaining evidence is crucial to strengthen your case and ensure swift action. Cyber laws in India aim to protect users from digital harassment, including verbal abuse.

2 Responses

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Afzal Shamsudeen says:
December 15, 2025 at 4:31 pm
Dear Sir/Madam,
My name is Afzal Shamsudeen, and I am currently working as an Electrical Project Engineer in a well-established company in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
On 15 December 2025, I received a phone call from an Indian mobile number +91 70655 66187. The caller was a lady who contacted me regarding a job opportunity. During the call, I politely asked general information such as the job position and salary details. After hearing the details, I clearly informed her that I am not interested in the opportunity.
Following this, the caller became aggressive, abusive, and used rude and indecent language. She also insulted me verbally and told me to “shut your mouth,” which caused me mental distress and harassment. Such behavior is highly unprofessional and unacceptable.
This call appears to be a harassment and misuse of telecommunication services, and it violates basic standards of decency and professional conduct. I believe this incident falls under criminal intimidation, verbal abuse, and harassment, which are punishable under relevant provisions of Indian law and telecom regulations.
I kindly request the concerned authorities to:
Investigate the phone number +91 70655 66187
Take appropriate legal action against the caller
Ensure such incidents are prevented in the future
I am ready to provide any additional information or cooperation required for the investigation.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Afzal Shamsudeen
Mobile (UAE): +971 58 884 0754
Date: 15-12-2025
Location: Dubai, UAE
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