In India, the law provides several protections to ensure that women can live, work, and interact freely — without fear of harassment, stalking, or abuse, both online and offline. Knowing these laws is the first step towards self-advocacy and accountability. Here’s a quick overview of some important sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act that every woman should be aware of.
IPC Section 354A – Sexual Harassment
Under Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code, any man who engages in acts that qualify as sexual harassment can face up to three years of imprisonment and/or a fine.
The section defines sexual harassment to include instances where a man:
- Demands or requests sexual favours
- Shows pornography against the will of a woman
- Makes sexually coloured remarks or comments intended to humiliate or discomfort the woman
This provision reinforces that unwanted sexual advances, verbal or visual, are not casual acts of misconduct, but punishable offences. It ensures that women have the right to a workplace, public space, or digital environment free from such behaviour.
IPC Section 354D – Stalking
Section 354D specifically addresses stalking, both in person and online.
It defines stalking as when:
“A man follows a woman and contacts, or attempts to contact her repeatedly to foster personal interaction, despite a clear indication of disinterest by such woman.”
Under this law:
First conviction can lead to up to three years of imprisonment and/or a fine
Second conviction can lead to up to five years of imprisonment and/or a fine
In today’s context, this includes cyberstalking — repeated unwanted messages, comments, or attempts to monitor a woman’s online activity. The law recognises that harassment through digital platforms can be as threatening and distressing as physical stalking.
IPC Section 509 – Outraging the Modesty of a Woman
Section 509 focuses on verbal and gestural harassment that insults a woman’s modesty.
It states that any person who:
“Utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object intending that such word, sound, or gesture be heard or seen by a woman and insult her modesty” shall be punished with up to one year of imprisonment and/or a fine.
This section applies to everyday instances of catcalling, obscene comments, or lewd gestures, including those made in public spaces or through digital means. It acknowledges the importance of dignity, respect, and bodily autonomy for women.
The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000
While the IPC covers physical and verbal offences, the Information Technology Act extends legal protection to online spaces. This is especially relevant today, when many women face harassment through social media, messaging apps, and other digital platforms.
For instance, when someone sends unsolicited nude pictures, asks for explicit images, or circulates such content without consent, the IT Act becomes crucial.
IPC Section 67A – Publication and Transmission of Sexually Explicit Material
Section 67A of the IT Act punishes the publication or transmission of sexually explicit content in electronic form.
- The law defines such content as any material containing a sexually explicit act, including:
- Sending or sharing intimate photos without consent
- Uploading or forwarding obscene videos or messages
- Circulating private media on social platforms
Punishment:
First conviction: Up to five years of imprisonment and a fine
Subsequent conviction: Up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine
This section recognises that digital violations, from unsolicited sexual messages to non-consensual sharing of private images, are serious crimes, not casual acts of “online misbehaviour.”