How to File a Complaint with the National Commission for Women Online in India

Kaustav Chowdhury
11 hours ago
4 min read

The National Commission for Women (NCW), established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, is a statutory body that investigates complaints related to the deprivation of women's rights and takes up cases involving domestic violence, workplace sexual harassment, dowry harassment, rape, and situations where the police refuse to register an FIR. Women can now file complaints online through the NCW's portal at ncwapps.nic.in, making the process accessible without needing to visit the Commission's office in Delhi. This guide covers the types of complaints the NCW handles, the step-by-step online filing process, and what happens after a complaint is registered. For related guidance on workplace harassment complaints, see our guide on how to file a sexual harassment complaint under the POSH Act.

What Complaints the NCW Handles

Under Section 10 of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, the NCW has the power to look into complaints and take suo motu notice of matters relating to: deprivation of women's rights; non-implementation of laws enacted to protect women; non-compliance with policy decisions aimed at mitigating hardships for women; and issues of importance affecting large bodies of women. In practice, the NCW handles complaints involving domestic violence under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; dowry harassment and dowry death under Section 304B of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023; workplace sexual harassment under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013; rape and sexual assault; acid attacks; trafficking; bigamy; police refusal to register an FIR in cases involving crimes against women; and gender-based discrimination in employment, education, or public services.

Step 1: Visit the Online Complaint Portal

Go to the NCW's online complaint registration portal at ncwapps.nic.in. The portal is available in both English and Hindi. Click on "Register Complaint" or "Online Complaint Registration" on the homepage. You will be asked to choose whether you are the complainant (the woman affected) or filing on behalf of someone else. Both options are available; complaints can be filed by the aggrieved woman herself, a family member, a friend, or any concerned citizen.

Step 2: Fill in the Complaint Form

The online form requires: personal details of the complainant (name, age, address, contact number, email); details of the aggrieved woman if different from the complainant; details of the accused (name, address, relationship to the complainant if any); the category of complaint (domestic violence, dowry, harassment, rape, FIR not registered, etc.); a detailed narrative of the incident including dates, locations, and specific facts; whether a police complaint or FIR has been filed (and if so, the FIR number and police station); and whether any court proceedings are pending. Upload supporting documents if available, such as copies of FIRs, medical reports, communications, photographs, or previous complaints to police or other authorities. After submission, the portal generates a complaint number and provides login credentials for tracking the status. For how to approach the police if they refuse to register an FIR, see our detailed guide on how to file a dowry harassment case under BNS Section 85.

What Happens After Filing

Once a complaint is registered, the NCW follows a structured process. The complaint is reviewed by the Commission's Complaint and Investigation Cell. If it falls within the NCW's jurisdiction, the Commission may: write to the relevant police authority directing them to register an FIR or take action; summon the accused for a hearing; refer the matter to the State Commission for Women if it falls within state jurisdiction; recommend legal aid for the complainant through the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA); or conduct an inquiry using its powers under Section 10 of the Act, which include the powers of a civil court for summoning witnesses, requiring document production, and receiving affidavits. The NCW does not have the power to pass binding judicial orders; however, its recommendations carry significant institutional weight and are generally complied with by police and government authorities.

Alternative Filing Methods

Besides the online portal, complaints can also be filed by post addressed to the Chairperson, National Commission for Women, Plot No. 21, FC-33, Jasola Institutional Area, New Delhi, 110025. Walk-in complaints are accepted at the NCW office during working hours. Additionally, the NCW operates a helpline number (7827-170-170) where complaints can be registered over the phone. The Commission also accepts complaints via email at complaints@ncw.nic.in. For emergency situations involving immediate threat to safety, calling the women's helpline at 181 or the police emergency number 112 is recommended before approaching the NCW. For protective orders, see our guide on how to get a restraining order in India under PWDVA and BNSS.

Key Takeaways

First, the NCW handles complaints involving domestic violence, dowry, workplace harassment, rape, acid attacks, trafficking, and police refusal to register FIRs in cases involving women. Second, complaints can be filed online at ncwapps.nic.in, by post, by email at complaints@ncw.nic.in, or by calling the helpline at 7827-170-170. Third, anyone can file a complaint, not just the aggrieved woman; family members, friends, and concerned citizens can file on her behalf. Fourth, the NCW has the powers of a civil court under Section 10 of the NCW Act for summoning witnesses and requiring document production, but it cannot pass binding judicial orders. Fifth, for emergency situations, calling the women's helpline at 181 or police at 112 should be the first step before approaching the NCW. Sixth, the complaint number provided after filing can be used to track the status of the case through the online portal.