Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Section 78

BNS 78: earlier IPC 354D

Section 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaces Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. BNS 78 deals with stalking. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita came into force on 1 July 2024. Both texts are set out below, side by side, with the changed words marked.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

BNS 78 was IPC 354D.

Stalking.

Carried over
Old wording kept in full
Old · IPC 1860 · Ch. XVI
s. 354D
Stalking
(1) Any man who—
(i) follows a woman and contacts, or attempts to contact such woman to foster personal interaction repeatedly despite a clear indication of disinterest by such woman; or
(ii) monitors the use by a woman of the internet, email or any other form of electronic communication, commits the offence of stalking:
Provided that such conduct shall not amount to stalking if the man who pursued it proves that—
(i) it was pursued for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime and the man accused of stalking had been entrusted with the responsibility of prevention and detection of crime by the State; or
(ii) it was pursued under any law or to comply with any condition or requirement imposed by any person under any law; or
(iii) in the particular circumstances such conduct was reasonable and justified.
(2) Whoever commits the offence of stalking shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine; and be punished on a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.]
Text from the official India Code PDF
New · BNS 2023 · Ch. V
s. 78
Stalking.
(1) Any man who---
(i) follows a woman and contacts, or attempts to contact such woman to foster personal interaction repeatedly despite a clear indication of disinterest by such woman; or
(ii) monitors the use by a woman of the internet, e-mail or any other form of electronic communication,
commits the offence of stalking:
Provided that such conduct shall not amount to stalking if the man who pursued it proves that---
(i) it was pursued for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime and the man accused of stalking had been entrusted with the responsibility of prevention and detection of crime by the State; or
(ii) it was pursued under any law or to comply with any condition or requirement imposed by any person under any law; or
(iii) in the particular circumstances such conduct was reasonable and justified.
(2) Whoever commits the offence of stalking shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine; and be punished on a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Text from India Code
Old classification · CrPC First Schedule, for IPC 354D
CognizableCognizable
BailableNon-bailable
Punishmentand with fine for first conviction. Imprisonment up to 5 years and with fine for second or subsequent conviction.
Triable byAny Magistrate.
Assault or criminal force with intent to dishonor a person, otherwise than on grave and sudden provocation.
CognizableNon-cognizable
BailableNon-bailable
Punishmentand with fine for first conviction. Imprisonment up to 5 years and with fine for second or subsequent conviction.
Triable byAny Magistrate.
Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property worn or carried by a person.
CognizableCognizable
BailableNon-bailable
Punishmentand with fine for first conviction. Imprisonment up to 5 years and with fine for second or subsequent conviction.
Triable byAny Magistrate.
For an offence under the BNS, check the First Schedule of the BNSS.

The new section for any IPC, CrPC or Evidence Act provision, and the old one for any BNS, BNSS or BSA section, with a converter for whole charges. Free, no sign-up.

Section-wise charts: IPC to BNS chart · CrPC to BNSS chart · Evidence Act to BSA chart

Open the converter