Outraging Or Insulting Modesty Of A Woman

The term modesty means the sexual dignity of a woman which is acquired by her since the time of her birth. Any person who assaults or uses criminal force to any woman, intending to outrage her modesty, shall be liable to be prosecuted under section 354 IPC and the offence committed is a cognizable and non-bailable offence. On the other hand, any words, sound, gesture, exhibition of any object or any act which is done by any person with the intention of insulting the modesty of a woman, shall be liable to be prosecuted under section 509 IPC and the offence committed is a cognizable but bailable offence.

Every woman has a fundamental right to live her life with dignity and law protects the modesty of a woman. In case of an assault or insult on the modesty of a woman, the incident or such act should be reported immediately by calling police/woman helpline. The victim should also report the incident to the police through a written complaint. In the written complaint, the victim should specifically state the time, place and manner in which the incident took place. Immediate reporting of the offence is of utmost important for the purpose of investigation and prosecution of the offender.

Apart from above provision, The Indian Penal Code, 1860, lays down many other provisions to penalise the offenders for committing offences against women like Rape (Sections 375, 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D and 376E), Dowry Death, Abetment of Suicide (Section 304B and 306),Cruelty by husband or his relatives (Section 498A),Sexual harassment (Section 354A),Assault on women with intent to disrobe a woman (Section 354B),Voyeurism (Section 354C),Stalking (Section 354D)etc.

The above information is to impart awareness and no part of this should be construed as providing legal advice for any purpose.

Vikram Kumar

Advocate

9958319099

www.nyayoptions.com