BNS Section 74
What punishment does a man face for assaulting a woman to outrage her modesty?
Short answer
He can be jailed for 1 to 5 years and also fined.
In detail
If a person physically attacks a woman or uses any criminal force against her, and does so with the intention to outrage her modesty—or knows that his actions are likely to do so—the law treats this as a serious offence. The punishment prescribed is a term of imprisonment that cannot be less than one year and can go up to five years. In addition to jail time, the offender must also pay a monetary fine. The provision aims to protect women's dignity by imposing a minimum year of confinement, ensuring that such conduct is not taken lightly. The law does not specify a maximum fine, leaving the amount to the court's discretion based on the circumstances of each case.
Related questions
What actions are defined as 'hurt' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Can a husband be forced to financially support his wife, children, or parents if he refuses?
Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
If I accidentally hurt a consenting adult during a game, can I be criminally liable?
No, you are not criminally liable if the act was not intended to cause death or serious injury and the adult gave consent.
Can I defend myself even if it might harm a child nearby?
Yes, the law permits you to use private defence even if it risks harming an innocent person during a deadly assault.
People also ask
- Can the court impose only a fine without imprisonment for this offence?
- What does the law consider as 'criminal force' in this context?
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.