Section 354 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Section 354 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 deals with:
"Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty"
Bare Act Language:
Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any woman, intending to outrage or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby outrage her modesty, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Key Elements:
Offender: Any person.
Victim: A woman.
Act: Assault or use of criminal force.
Intent/Knowledge:
Intending to outrage her modesty, or
Knowing it is likely to outrage her modesty.
Punishment:
Minimum imprisonment of 1 year (which may extend to 5 years),
Fine is also applicable.
Explanation:
This section aims to protect the dignity and modesty of women. It penalizes acts that violate a woman’s bodily integrity in a way that is offensive, indecent, or sexually motivated—even if no physical harm occurs.
Illustration:
If a man gropes a woman on a bus or pulls her clothing, intending to insult or violate her modesty, he is liable under Section 354.
The intention or knowledge behind the act is crucial for this offense.
Related Provisions (BNS 2023):
Section 355: Use of criminal force on woman with intent to disrobe.
Section 356: Voyeurism.
Section 357: Stalking.
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