Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman
What this section does
This section penalises any person who, intending to insult the modesty of a woman, utters words, makes sounds or gestures, exhibits any object, or intrudes upon her privacy. The offence is directed at conduct intended to be perceived by the woman.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and fine.
- Triable by
- Any Magistrate
- Cognizable
- No
- Bailable
- Yes
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- Accused intended to insult the modesty of a woman
- Accused uttered words, made a sound or gesture, exhibited an object in any form, or intruded upon the privacy of such woman
- The words or sounds were intended to be heard, or the gesture or object was intended to be seen, by such woman
Practitioner note
The punishment is restricted to simple imprisonment (not rigorous). Intent to insult modesty is an essential ingredient. Intrusion upon privacy is also covered as a standalone act under this section.
- IPC Section 509 — Word/gesture intended to insult modesty of a woman
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 79, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 79 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.