IPC Section 354A

BNS Section 75— Sexual harassment

Effective for any FIR, charge sheet, or filing on or after 1 July 2024. Matters that arose before that date continue under the IPC.

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.

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