IPC Section 354A — Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment

criminal force and assault

Criminal

Summary

A man commits the offence of sexual harassment if he does any of the following: makes physical contact or advances that involve unwelcome and clear sexual overtures; demands or requests sexual favours; shows pornography to a woman against her will; or makes sexually coloured remarks. If a man is found guilty of physical contact or advances, demanding sexual favours, or showing pornography, he can be punished with rigorous imprisonment for up to three years, or a fine, or both. If a man is found guilty of making sexually coloured remarks, he can be punished with imprisonment of any type for up to one year, or a fine, or both.

Official Text

A man committing any of the following acts
physical contact and advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures; or
a demand or request for sexual favours; or
showing pornography against the will of a woman; or
making sexually coloured remarks, shall be guilty of the offence of sexual harassment1.
Any man who commits the offence specified in clause , or clause , or clause , 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.
Any man who commits the offence specified in clause 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

  • INDEPENDENT THOUGHT v. UNION OF INDIA & ANR. 835 — Supreme Court of India (2017)
  • ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR INDIA v. SATISH AND ANOTHER — Supreme Court of India (2021)
  • S.C.R. 479 479 APARNA BHAT & ORS v. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2021)
  • ... Appellant/Accused vs State rep. By, — Madras High Court (2017)
  • UNION OF INDIA & ORS. vs MANOJ KUMAR BARANWAL — High Court of Delhi (2021)
  • SC (2024) Vol.2 p.111 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • S.C.R. 234 SHAMSHER SINGH VERMA v. STATE OF HARYANA — Supreme Court of India (2015)
  • SC (2025) Vol.3 p.490 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

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