Kerala Women’s Commission chairperson P. Satheedevi has directed the police to take stringent action against online abuse targeting women and to register cases without delay on complaints received.

Speaking at a district-level adalat organised by the commission at the Thrissur Town Hall on Tuesday (July 28, 2026), Ms. Satheedevi said the police cyber cell should intervene more proactively in such cases. Women facing online harassment would be provided legal assistance through the District Legal Services Authority, she said.

The commission has received a complaint regarding the online abuse of girls who participated in the recent Delhi protests, she added.

Ms. Satheedevi also stressed the need to strengthen vigilance committees in local self-government institutions, saying they could help resolve local disputes, including property and boundary issues, at the grassroots level.

The commission pointed out that several private establishments in Thrissur were still functioning without constituting Internal Complaints Committees as mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (POSH Act).

Commission member Indira Ravindran also attended the adalat.

A total of 41 complaints were taken up during the sitting. Seven cases were settled, while reports were sought from the police and village offices in five cases. The remaining 29 complaints were adjourned to the next sitting.

Most complaints related to domestic violence, dowry harassment, property disputes, workplace grievances and abuse through social media.

Published - July 28, 2026 08:39 pm IST