Old law lookup
IPC Section 354D
Stalking
New section under BNS
BNS Section 78— Stalking
Effective for any FIR, charge sheet, or filing on or after 1 July 2024. Matters that arose before that date continue under the IPC.
What the new section does
This section defines and penalises stalking by a man, covering both physical following with repeated contact attempts despite clear disinterest, and monitoring a woman's internet or electronic communications. Three defences are available to the accused. Enhanced punishment applies on second or subsequent conviction.
- Punishment
- First conviction: imprisonment of either description up to three years, and fine. Second or subsequent conviction: imprisonment of either description up to five years, and fine.
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- Depends
- Bailable
- Depends
For the full text of the new section, see the linked BNS page above. For the binding statutory text, refer to the India Code or the Gazette of India. This reference is informational, not legal advice.