Sexual harassment

What this section does

This section defines and penalises sexual harassment of a woman by a man, covering four categories of conduct: unwelcome physical contact with explicit sexual overtures, demands for sexual favours, showing pornography against a woman's will, and making sexually coloured remarks. The punishment differs depending on which category of conduct is committed.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Quick reference

Punishment

For acts under clauses (i), (ii), or (iii): rigorous imprisonment up to three years, or fine, or both. For acts under clause (iv): imprisonment of either description up to one year, or fine, or both.

Triable by

Magistrate of First Class

Cognizable

Yes

Bailable

No

Compoundable

No

Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)

1. The accused is a man
2. He committed one or more of the following acts against a woman: (i) physical contact and advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures; or (ii) a demand or request for sexual favours; or (iii) showing pornography against her will; or (iv) making sexually coloured remarks

• IPC Section 354A — Sexual harassment