Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Section 79

BNS 79: earlier IPC 509

Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaces Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. BNS 79 deals with word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman. 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 79 was IPC 509.

Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman.

Carried over
Old wording kept in full
Old · IPC 1860 · Ch. XXII
s. 509
Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman
Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any words, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen, by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, 1[shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and also with fine].
Text from the official India Code PDF
New · BNS 2023 · Ch. V
s. 79
Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman.
Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any words, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object in any form, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen, by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and also with fine.
Text from India Code
Old classification · CrPC First Schedule, for IPC 509
CognizableCognizable
BailableBailable
PunishmentSimple imprisonment for 3 years and with fine.
Triable byAny Magistrate.
For an offence under the BNS, check the First Schedule of the BNSS.
Judgments on s. 509 IPCBNS 79 on India Code Source: NCRB section table
Related sectionsIPC 509 · Word, gesture or act intended to ins…
BNS 78 · Stalking.BNS 80 · Dowry death.

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