Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
BNS Section 76
Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe
In one line
BNS Section 76 deals with assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe and replaces IPC 354B.
Punishment, bail and court
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe. | Imprisonment for not less than 3 years but which may extend to 7 years and fine. | Cognizable. | Non-bailable. | Court of Session. |
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 76
76. Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe.
Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any woman or abets such act with the intention of disrobing or compelling her to be naked, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
What changed from the IPC
- IPC 354B → BNS 76: Words "Any man who" is replaced by "Whoever".
Frequently asked
What was BNS Section 76 in the IPC?
BNS Section 76 (Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe) replaces Section 354B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. IPC 354B is now BNS 76.
What is the punishment under BNS 76?
Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe – punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Under the First Schedule to the BNSS, 2023 it is cognizable and non-bailable, triable by court of Session.
Is BNS 76 bailable?
Non-bailable: BNS 76. 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 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 74 — Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty
- BNS 75 — Sexual harassment
- BNS 77 — Voyeurism
- BNS 78 — Stalking
- BNS 79 — Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman
- BNS 80 — Dowry death
- BNS 81 — Cohabitation caused by man deceitfully inducing belief of lawful marriage