Latest law governing HPSCW
The statute was enacted to further constitutional safeguards relating to women, improve their status and dignity, investigate practices derogatory to women, monitor implementation of laws affecting women and advise the State Government.
Under section 10, the Commission may investigate and examine safeguards for women, take up violations with the State Government or appropriate authorities, entertain complaints, take suo motu notice of specified matters, provide guidance to needy women for proceedings before courts or tribunals, conduct studies, inspect certain custodial institutions and make recommendations.
What complaints can be taken up by HPSCW?
Section 10 specifically includes complaints concerning:
- Deprivation of women's rights.
- Non-implementation of laws enacted to protect women or promote equality and development.
- Non-compliance with policy decisions, guidelines or instructions intended to reduce hardship and secure welfare, development and relief for women.
- Cases involving violations of constitutional or other legal safeguards relating to women.
- Other matters falling within the statutory functions assigned to the Commission.
How to file an HPSCW complaint online
- Open the official Commission page. Use the Himachal Pradesh Government link for the State Commission for Women.
- Select Online Complaint. Open the complaint facility where available.
- Enter complainant details. Provide your name, address, district, mobile number, email and other details requested by the form.
- Enter respondent details. Provide the respondent's name, address, district and other available identifying information.
- Describe the incident clearly. State dates, places, events, persons involved, relief already sought and any police/court/department proceedings, if relevant.
- Attach supporting material if the current form permits it. Keep copies of complaints, notices, messages, photographs, medical records or other relevant documents.
- Review and submit. Check names, dates, contact information and facts before filing.
- Save the acknowledgement/reference. Keep any complaint number or acknowledgement generated by the system for follow-up.
Current HPSCW contact details
| Office | H.P. State Commission for Women |
|---|---|
| Address | M.C. Parking, 4th Floor, Tutikandi, Shimla - 171005, Himachal Pradesh |
| Telephone | 0177-2627171, 0177-2622929 |
| Email listed by NCW | comshimlahp_1972@hotmail.com |
Contact details can change. The above details are based on the National Commission for Women's State Commission directory updated in December 2025.
Powers of the Commission during investigation
For investigations specified by section 10, the Commission has certain powers of a civil court, including powers relating to summoning persons, requiring production of documents, receiving evidence on affidavits, requisitioning public records and issuing commissions for examination of witnesses and documents.
After an investigation, the Commission may make recommendations to the State Government or appropriate authority, including recommendations concerning legal proceedings or prosecution where the statutory conditions are met.
When to contact police or emergency services instead
A complaint to the Commission is not a substitute for emergency assistance, an FIR or other proceedings before the legally competent authority. Where there is immediate danger, violence, stalking, sexual offence, unlawful confinement or another alleged criminal offence, the affected person should consider contacting the police/emergency services and obtaining appropriate legal or medical assistance without waiting for the Commission's complaint process.
Important laws that may also apply
Depending on the facts, a grievance may involve one or more of the following:
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, where the alleged conduct constitutes a criminal offence.
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, governing criminal procedure from 1 July 2024.
- Other personal, service, labour, family or protective laws depending on the nature of the grievance.
Frequently asked questions
Which law creates the HP State Commission for Women?
The Commission is constituted under the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women Act, 1996, Act No. 22 of 1997, as amended.
Can HPSCW receive complaints about deprivation of women's rights?
Yes. Section 10 expressly includes complaints concerning deprivation of women's rights and non-implementation of laws protecting women.
Can the Commission summon persons or require documents?
For specified statutory investigations, section 10 gives the Commission certain powers of a civil court, including summoning persons and requiring production of documents.
Does filing with HPSCW replace an FIR?
No. If facts disclose a criminal offence or there is immediate danger, the police and other competent authorities may need to be approached separately.
What if the HPSCW online page does not open?
Use the Commission's current office telephone, email or postal contact details and retain proof of your communication.
Related complaint guides
- State Women Commissions in India
- File Complaint with National Commission for Women
- Check NCW Complaint Status
- File Complaint with NHRC
Disclaimer: This page is an informational guide and is not the official website of the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women. Procedures, contact details and online facilities may change. Verify the latest information on official government sources before filing.