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

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 354B IPC at a Glance

Section 354B IPC deals with assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 76 BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 76 →

Section 354B IPC Bare Act Text

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.

Source: Section 354B, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 354B IPC in Simple Words

Section 354B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes 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.

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

The offence is cognizable, non-bailable, triable by any Magistrate, and not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

Ingredients of Section 354B IPC

  • 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

Punishment Under Section 354B IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years.

Fine

The offender shall also be liable to fine.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ

Assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to disrobe her is punishable with imprisonment of either description for not less than three years and up to seven years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

Example of Section 354B IPC

In March 2018, near a railway footbridge in Siliguri, Harish and his friend Nitin blocked Rekha during a neighbourhood dispute. Intending to disrobe Rekha and compel her to be naked, Harish lunged at her and tore at her sari while Nitin instigated him and blocked her path. Passersby heard Rekha's screams and intervened. Harish, a man, used criminal force against a woman with the intention of disrobing her, and Nitin, also a man, abetted that act. Harish and Nitin are punishable under Section 354B IPC.

When Section 354B IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 354B IPC does not apply when the person committing or abetting the act is not a man.
  • Section 354B IPC does not apply when the person against whom the assault or criminal force is directed is not a woman.
  • Section 354B IPC does not apply when there is neither an assault nor any use of criminal force, nor any abetment of such conduct.
  • Section 354B IPC does not apply when the assault or criminal force is used without any intention to disrobe the woman or compel her to be naked.

Section 354B IPC in the BNS

Section 354B IPC is now covered under Section 76 BNS.

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.

View detailed comparison (IPC 354B vs BNS 76) →

FAQs on Section 354B IPC

What does Section 354B IPC punish?▼

Section 354B IPC punishes any man who assaults or uses criminal force to a woman, or abets such act, with the intention of disrobing her or compelling her to be naked.

What is the punishment prescribed under Section 354B IPC?▼

Under Section 354B IPC, the penalty is imprisonment of either description for a term of not less than three years extending up to seven years, along with liability to fine.

Is there a minimum sentence under Section 354B IPC?▼

Yes. The statute mandates a minimum term of imprisonment of three years, which may extend up to seven years.

Does Section 354B IPC apply to abettors?▼

Yes. The section explicitly punishes any man who abets the assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe the woman.

How did Section 76 BNS modify Section 354B IPC?▼

Section 76 BNS substitutes Whoever for Any man who, allowing a person of any gender to be prosecuted for the offence, while retaining the three-year minimum sentence.

Is an offence under Section 354B IPC cognizable and bailable?▼

An offence under Section 354B IPC is cognizable and non-bailable under the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Which court is competent to try Section 354B IPC?▼

An offence under Section 354B IPC is triable by any Magistrate.

Can an offence under Section 354B IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 354B IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·