IPC 509→BNS 79

IPC 509 to BNS 79: Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman

Section 509 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 79 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 509 →View BNS Section 79 →

IPC 509 to BNS 79 at a Glance

Section 509 IPC (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) is now Section 79 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 509 to BNS 79?

Section 509 IPC corresponds to Section 79 BNS. The BNS adds the phrase in any form after exhibits any object, and drops the word the before modesty in the section heading. The punishment of simple imprisonment up to three years and mandatory fine remains unchanged.

IPC 509 vs BNS 79: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section50979
OffenceWord, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a womanSame
PunishmentSimple imprisonment for up to three years.Same
FineFine as well as imprisonment. The court must impose both, and the section sets no limit on the amount.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableCompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 509 and BNS 79: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 509, IPC 1860

509. Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.—Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any words, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen, by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and also with fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 79, BNS 2023

Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any words, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object in any form, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen, by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and also with fine.

Ingredients: IPC 509 vs BNS 79

Under IPC 509
  1. Intending to insult the modesty of any woman
  2. Uttering any words, making any sound or gesture, or exhibiting any object, with the intention that such words or sound be heard, or gesture or object be seen, by that woman
  3. Alternatively, intruding upon the privacy of that woman with the intention to insult her modesty
Under BNS 79
  1. Intending to insult the modesty of a woman under Section 79 BNS
  2. Uttering words, making sounds or gestures, or exhibiting any object in any form intended to be heard or seen by her
  3. Intruding upon the privacy of a woman with intent to insult her modesty

What IPC 509 to BNS 79 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 509 IPC (now Section 79 BNS): under Section 79 BNS, exhibiting any object in any form with intent to insult the modesty of a woman is covered, and the punishment is unchanged.

FAQs: IPC 509 to BNS 79

What changed when Section 509 IPC became Section 79 BNS?▼

Section 509 IPC is renumbered as Section 79 BNS. The phrase in any form is added after exhibits any object, while retaining simple imprisonment up to three years and mandatory fine.

Where does Section 509 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 79 BNS, in Chapter V, Of Offences Against Women and Children.

Does Section 509 IPC or Section 79 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 509 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 509 IPC. Section 79 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: 16 Oct 2026 ·