Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty
What this section does
This section penalises assault or use of criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage, or with knowledge that it is likely to outrage, her modesty. It carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year's imprisonment. The offence is commonly known as 'outraging the modesty of a woman'.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description for a term not less than one year and which may extend to five years, and fine.
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- Accused assaulted or used criminal force against a woman
- The act was done with the intention to outrage her modesty, or with knowledge that it was likely to outrage her modesty
Practitioner note
Mandatory minimum of one year's imprisonment applies. The offence requires proof of intent or knowledge regarding the outraging of modesty.
- IPC Section 354 — Assault on woman with intent to outrage modesty
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 74, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 74 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.