IPC 354→BNS 74

IPC 354 to BNS 74: Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty

Section 354 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 74 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 354 →View BNS Section 74 →

IPC 354 to BNS 74 at a Glance

Section 354 IPC (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) is now Section 74 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 354 to BNS 74?

Section 354 IPC corresponds to Section 74 BNS. The offence, the required intention or knowledge to outrage modesty, and the punishment of imprisonment for a term of not less than one year extending up to five years with liability to fine remain unchanged in substance across both enactments.

IPC 354 vs BNS 74: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section35474
OffenceAssault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modestySame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to five years.Same
FineThe offender shall also be liable to fine.The offender is also liable to fine in addition to imprisonment under Section 74 BNS.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 354 and BNS 74: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 354, IPC 1860

354. Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty.—Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any woman, intending to outrage or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby outrage her modesty, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 74, BNS 2023

Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any woman, intending to outrage or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby outrage her modesty, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 354 vs BNS 74

Under IPC 354
  1. The person subjected to the act was a woman
  2. The accused committed an assault or used criminal force against that woman
  3. The act was committed intending to outrage or knowing it to be likely that he would thereby outrage her modesty
Under BNS 74
  1. Assaulting or using criminal force to any woman
  2. Intending to outrage or knowing it to be likely that such act will outrage her modesty under Section 74 BNS

What IPC 354 to BNS 74 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 354 IPC (now Section 74 BNS): under Section 74 BNS, the offence and punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 74 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 354 to BNS 74

What changed from Section 354 IPC to Section 74 BNS?▼

The substantive offence and punishment are unchanged. Section 74 BNS reproduces the text of Section 354 IPC in substance, maintaining the minimum term of one year up to five years with liability to fine.

Where is Section 354 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

Section 354 IPC is codified as Section 74 BNS, in Chapter V, Of Offences Against Woman and Child, under the sub-heading Of criminal force and assault against woman.

Does Section 354 IPC or Section 74 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 354 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 354 IPC. Section 74 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 17 Oct 2026 ·