IPC Section 196
IPC Section 196 โ Outraging the modesty of a woman
๐ Text of Section 196 IPC (Simplified)
"Whoever, to outrage or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby outrage the modesty of any woman,โ(a) utters any word, 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,โshall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine."
๐ Key Elements of Section 196 IPC
Intent or knowledge
The person must either intend to outrage a woman's modesty or know that their actions are likely to do so.
Acts covered
Uttering any word
Making any sound
Making any gesture
Exhibiting any object
Intruding upon the privacy of a woman
Target
The act must be aimed at or affect the modesty of a woman.
โ๏ธ Punishment
Imprisonment up to 3 years
Also liable to fine
๐ง Purpose of Section 196
To protect the modesty and dignity of women.
To penalize actions that harass or insult women in a way that offends their modesty.
It is a preventive provision against sexual harassment and molestation that may not involve physical contact but causes mental harm.
๐ Illustration
If a man intentionally makes obscene gestures or comments to a woman in public knowing it will offend her modesty, he can be punished under Section 196.
Similarly, if a person intrudes into the privacy of a woman by following her or exposing obscene material in her presence.
๐ Related Sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Section 354 IPC | Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage modesty |
| Section 509 IPC | Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman |
| Section 354A IPC | Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment |
โ Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Offense | Outraging the modesty of a woman through words, gestures, or acts |
| Intent/Knowledge | Must intend or know likelihood of offending modesty |
| Punishment | Up to 3 years imprisonment + fine |
| Purpose | Protect modesty and dignity of women |
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