79. 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.
IPC Section 509 in BNS: Section 79
Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman
Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) corresponds to Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNSS First Schedule, BNS 79 is cognizable, bailable, triable by Any Magistrate; punishment: Simple imprisonment for 3 years and fine.
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Bail, cognizability and punishment
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | Uttering any word or making any gesture intended to insult the modesty of a woman, etc. | Simple imprisonment for 3 years and fine. | Cognizable | Bailable | Any Magistrate |
Source: BNSS, 2023, First Schedule, Part I.
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. Offences committed earlier are charged and tried under the IPC.
Text of BNS Section 79
Full BNS Section 79 and every IPC section it replaced →
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