IPC Section 509 — Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman
criminal intimidation, insult and annoyance
Criminal
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 3 years
As the section puts it: “shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and also with fine1”
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.
Referred to by
- CrPC §154 — Information in cognizable cases
- CrPC §161 — Examination of witnesses by police
- CrPC §164 — Recording of confessions and statements
- CrPC §197 — Prosecution of Judges and public servants
- IPC §166A — Public Servant disobeying direction under Law
- POCSO Act §42 — Alternate punishment
- POSH Act §11 — Inquiry into complaint
Related Judgments
- UDE SINGH & ORS. vs STATE OF HARYANA — Supreme Court of India (2019)
- S. KHUSHBOO vs KANNIAMMAL AND ANR — Supreme Court of India (2010)
- MADHUSHREE DATTA vs THE STATE OF KARNATAKA & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2025)
- STATE OF PUNJAB vs MAJOR SINGH — Supreme Court of India (1966)
Old <-> New Code Mapping
- BNS §79 — Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman
