Criminal LawSection 77, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

BNS Section 77

What happens if someone secretly watches a woman in a private setting?

Short answer

The person can be jailed for 1–3 years on first offence, 3–7 years on repeat, plus a fine.

In detail

If a person watches a woman in a place where she expects privacy—such as a bathroom, a bedroom, or while she is wearing only underwear—or captures an image of her while she is exposed or engaged in a sexual act, that is a crime. The law says the first time this happens, the offender may be imprisoned for at least one year and up to three years, and must pay a fine. If the same person does it again, the jail term rises to at least three years and can go up to seven years, with another fine. The law also says that if the victim agrees to the recording but not to sharing it, and the image is shared, that sharing is still an offence. The rule is meant to protect a woman’s privacy and prevent unwanted exposure.

Reviewed by LegalX Editorial · 3 September 2026View source

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