BNS Section 75 — Sexual harassment

CHAPTER V OF OFFENCES AGAINST WOMAN AND CHILD — Of criminal force and assault against woman

Criminal

Summary

Sub-section (1) lists the acts that make up the offence of sexual harassment when committed by a man: (i) physical contact and advances that involve unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures; (ii) a demand or request for sexual favours; (iii) showing pornography against the will of a woman; or (iv) making sexually coloured remarks. Committing any of these acts makes the man guilty of the offence of sexual harassment.

Sub-section (2) sets the punishment for the acts in clause (i), clause (ii), or clause (iii) of sub-section (1). A man who commits any of these acts shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years, or with a fine, or with both.

Sub-section (3) sets the punishment for the act in clause (iv) of sub-section (1). A man who makes sexually coloured remarks shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term that may extend to one year, or with a fine, or with both.

Official Text

(1) A man committing any of the following acts:—

(i) physical contact and advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures; or

(ii) a demand or request for sexual favours; or

(iii) showing pornography against the will of a woman; or

(iv) making sexually coloured remarks, shall be guilty of the offence of sexual harassment.

(2) Any man who commits the offence specified in clause (i) or clause (ii) or clause (iii) of sub-section (1) shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

(3) Any man who commits the offence specified in clause (iv) of sub-section (1) shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Related Judgments

  • SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.6 p.280 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1531 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.4 p.2730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2024) Vol.6 p.129 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • SC (2024) Vol.8 p.670 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • SC (2025) Vol.8 p.966 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping