IPC 354B in BNS: Find the New Section and What Changed

What Changed From IPC 354B to BNS 76?

Section 354B IPC is succeeded by Section 76 BNS. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the opening phrase Any man who is replaced by Whoever, making the provision gender-neutral as to the accused, while the victim remains a woman. The punishment of imprisonment for not less than three years extending up to seven years and liability to fine remains unchanged in substance.

IPC 354B vs BNS 76: Comparison Table

Aspect	IPC 1860 (repealed)	BNS 2023 (in force)
Section	354B	76
Offence	Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe	Same
Punishment	Imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years.	Imprisonment of either description for a minimum term of three years extending up to seven years under Section 76 BNS.
Fine	The offender shall also be liable to fine.	The offender is also liable to fine in addition to imprisonment under Section 76 BNS.
Bail	Non-Bailable	Same
Cognizance	Cognizable	Same
Compoundable	Non-Compoundable	Same
Triable By	Any Magistrate	Same

IPC 354B and BNS 76: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 354B, IPC 1860

354B. Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe.—Any man who assaults or uses criminal force to any woman or abets such act with the intention of disrobing or compelling her to be naked, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 76, BNS 2023

Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any woman or abets such act with the intention of disrobing or compelling her to be naked, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 354B vs BNS 76

Under IPC 354B

The offender is a man and the act is committed against a woman
The accused assaulted or used criminal force to that woman, or abetted such an act
The act was committed with the intention of disrobing her or compelling her to be naked

Under BNS 76

Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any woman, or abets such act
Doing so with the intention of disrobing her or compelling her to be naked under Section 76 BNS

What IPC 354B to BNS 76 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 354B IPC (now Section 76 BNS): under Section 76 BNS, the offence can now be committed by any person regardless of gender, whereas Section 354B IPC applied only to a male offender. The punishment and elements otherwise remain the same, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 76 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 354B to BNS 76

What changed from Section 354B IPC to Section 76 BNS?▼

Under Section 76 BNS, the words Any man who are replaced by Whoever, making the offence applicable to offenders of any gender. The minimum sentence of three years up to seven years and liability to fine remain unchanged.

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

Section 354B IPC is codified as Section 76 BNS, in Chapter V, Of Offences Against Woman and Child, under the sub-heading Of criminal force and assault against woman.

Does Section 354B IPC or Section 76 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 354B 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 354B IPC. Section 76 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

IPC 354B to BNS 76: Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe

IPC 354B to BNS 76 at a Glance