Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
BNS Section 74
Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty
In one line
BNS Section 74 deals with assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty and replaces IPC 354.
Punishment, bail and court
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty. | Imprisonment for 1 year which may extend to 5 years and fine. | Cognizable. | Non-bailable. | Any Magistrate. |
Source: First Schedule to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The punishment column is the Schedule’s summary; the section text below is what prescribes the punishment. Classification decides procedure (arrest, bail as of right, which court), not the result of any particular case.
Bare act text — BNS 74
74. Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
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.
Frequently asked
What was BNS Section 74 in the IPC?
BNS Section 74 (Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) replaces Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. IPC 354 is now BNS 74.
What is the punishment under BNS 74?
Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty – punishable 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. Under the First Schedule to the BNSS, 2023 it is cognizable and non-bailable, triable by any Magistrate.
Is BNS 74 bailable?
Non-bailable: BNS 74. Bail in a non-bailable offence is at the court's discretion; the classification decides procedure, not the outcome of a particular bail application.
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Nearby BNS sections
- BNS 69 — Sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means, etc
- BNS 70 — Gang rape
- BNS 71 — Punishment for repeat offenders
- BNS 72 — Disclosure of identity of victim of certain offences, etc
- BNS 73 — Printing or publishing any matter relating to Court proceedings without permission
- BNS 75 — Sexual harassment
- BNS 76 — Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe
- BNS 77 — Voyeurism
- BNS 78 — Stalking
- BNS 79 — Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman