The BNS organizes these offenses under Chapter V, titled “Of Offences against Woman and Child,” thereby granting them a specific and significant position within the new penal code.

1. Assault or Criminal Force to Outrage Modesty

This is the most prevalent offense in this category, aimed at safeguarding a woman’s dignity.

• BNS Section: Section 74 (Corresponding to IPC Section 354).
• Offence Defined: Any individual who assaults or employs criminal force against a woman, with the intent to outrage or with knowledge that such actions are likely to outrage her modesty.
• Punishment: Imprisonment for a duration of no less than one year, which may extend to five years, and may also include a fine.

2. Sexual Harassment

This section addresses both non-physical and specific physical forms of unwelcome behavior.

BNS Section: Section 75 (Corresponding to IPC Section 354A).

Offence Defined: Any man who engages in any of the following actions:

1. Physical contact and advances that involve unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures.
2. A demand or solicitation for sexual favors.
3. Displaying pornography against a woman’s will.
4. Making remarks of a sexual nature.
5. Punishment:

• For acts (1), (2), or (3) above (physical or overt demands): Rigorous imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years, or a fine, or both.
• For act (4) (making sexually colored remarks): Imprisonment of any description for a term that may extend to one year, or a fine, or both.

3. Assault with Intent to Disrobe

This provision addresses the particularly egregious and humiliating act of forcing a woman to be naked.

• BNS Section: Section 76 (Corresponding to IPC Section 354B).
• Offence Defined: Any man who assaults or employs criminal force against a woman, or abets such an act, with the intention of disrobing her or compelling her to be naked.
• Punishment: Imprisonment for a term that shall not be less than three years, which may extend to seven