Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman
Full Text
79. Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any words, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object in any form, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen, by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and also with fine.
Plain English Summary
Penalizes uttering words, making sounds or gestures, exhibiting objects, or intruding on privacy with the intent to insult the modesty of a woman. Punishable by simple imprisonment of up to three years, and a fine.
Key Legal Elements
- Intention to insult the modesty of a woman.
- Uttering words, making sounds or gestures, or exhibiting objects in any form so that they are heard/seen by such woman.
- Intruding upon the privacy of the woman.
Punishment
Simple imprisonment of up to 3 years, and fine.
Practical Note
Section 79 BNS replaces Section 509 of the IPC. It covers verbal harassment, cat-calling, obscene gestures, showing offensive objects, and cyber-bullying (such as sending offensive messages). It is bailable, cognizable, and triable by any Magistrate.
हिंदी पाठ
79. जो कोई किसी महिला की लज्जा का अनादर करने के आशय से कोई शब्द बोलेगा, कोई ध्वनि या अंगविक्षेप (इशारा) करेगा, या कोई वस्तु इस आशय से प्रदर्शित करेगा कि ऐसी महिला द्वारा ऐसा शब्द या ध्वनि सुनी जाए या ऐसा अंगविक्षेप या वस्तु देखी जाए, या ऐसी महिला की निजता का अतिक्रमण करेगा, उसे तीन वर्ष तक के साधारण कारावास से, और जुर्माने से भी दंडित किया जाएगा।