Punjab & Haryana High Court Quashes Sexual Harassment FIR Over ‘F* Off’ Email Remark

The Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed an FIR filed against a company director accused of sexual harassment for allegedly telling a business manager to “f*** off” in a workplace email.

The Court held that while the expression was “uncouth and discourteous,” it did not contain any sexual overtone or insinuation necessary to attract an offence under Section 354A IPC.

Observing that criminal liability for sexual harassment requires a clear sexual element and not merely offensive language, the Court distinguished workplace misconduct from gender-based harassment.

Finding no allegations of sexual advances or sexually coloured conduct, the Court held continuation of proceedings would amount to abuse of process.