IPC Section 509 — Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman

Summary

A person commits an offence if they say something, make a sound or gesture, or show an object intending to insult a woman’s modesty, and they intend for her to hear or see it. Entering a woman’s private space without permission is also an offence under this provision. The punishment for this offence is simple imprisonment for up to three years, along with a fine.

Official Text

Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, 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 fine1.

Related Judgments

• UDE SINGH & ORS v. STATE OF HARYANA — Supreme Court of India (2019)
• S.C.R. 174 THE DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE & ANR v. S. SAMUTHIRAM — Supreme Court of India (2012)
• SC (2025) Vol.2 p.187 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• S.C.R. 322 S. KHUSHBOO v. KANNIAMMAL AND ANR — Supreme Court of India (2010)
• TUL KUMAR NIGAM v. STATE OF U.P. AND ORS. SEPTEMBER 27, 1995 B — Supreme Court of India (S)
• ... Petitioner vs 1. State by — Madras High Court (2013)
• MIS. NANDRAM HUNATRAM, CALCUTTA v. UNION OF INDIA & ANR. M — Supreme Court of India (S)
• TARAKESHWAR SAHU v. STA TEOF BIHAR — Supreme Court of India (S)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §79 — Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman