I Want To Know If This Will Come Under Sexual Harassment And What Are The Legal Implication

In a private gathering, few of the co-workers were talking about a female co-worker, who was not present at the gathering. They made some lewd comments about her. On of the participant later informed the female about the event and the female employee lodged sexual harassment complaint to the ICC. How the process should be taken into consideration as the comments were made in a private set up and the members have freedom of expression. What is the legal process if it reaches to the police.