BNS Section 79

Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaces Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), deals with insulting the modesty of a woman.

Example:
Vijay, while waiting at the bus station next to a girl, begins to make moaning noises of a sexual nature towards her. Vijay is guilty of the offence under this section.

Key Points in BNS-79
 

1. Definition of Offense:
    

   • The offense described involves actions intended to insult the modesty of a woman. This includes:
      

     • Uttering Words: Saying things with the intention of insulting or offending the woman's modesty.
        

     • Making Sounds or Gestures: Producing sounds or gestures meant to insult or offend.
        

     • Exhibiting Objects: Showing objects in a manner intended to insult or offend the woman.
        

     • Intruding on Privacy: Invading the woman's personal space or privacy with the intent to insult.
        

2. Intention Requirement:
    

   • The action must be done with the intention of insulting the woman's modesty. This means the perpetrator's goal is to offend or demean the woman’s modesty through their actions.
      

3. Punishment:
    

   • Simple Imprisonment: The convicted individual can be sentenced to simple imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years.
      

   • Fine: In addition to imprisonment, the individual is also liable to a fine.
      

Summary

BNS-79 criminalizes actions intended to insult a woman's modesty, including verbal insults, inappropriate gestures or objects, and privacy invasions. The punishment for such actions includes up to three years of simple imprisonment and a fine. This provision aims to protect women's dignity and privacy by penalizing deliberate acts of modesty insult.

Browse through our complete index of all BNS sections. Learn about the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with our extensive resource that covers every section in detail.