IPC §354C → BNS §77
Voyeurism
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Comparison
354C. Voyeurism.—Any man who watches, or captures the image of a woman engaging in a private act in circumstances where she would usually have the expectation of not being observed either by the perpetrator or by any other person at the behest of the perpetrator or disseminates such image shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year, but which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine, and be punished on a second or subsequent conviction, 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. Explanation 1.—For the purpose of this section, “private act” includes an act of watching carried out in a place which, in the circumstances, would reasonably be expected to provide privacy and where the victim's genitals, posterior or breasts are exposed or covered only in underwear; or the victim is using a lavatory; or the victim is doing a sexual act that is not of a kind ordinarily done in public. 1. Subs. by Act 13 of 2013, s. 6, for “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both” (w.e.f. 3-2-2013). 2. Ins. by s. 7, ibid. (w.e.f. 3-2-2013). Explanation 2.—Where the victim consents to the capture of the images or any act, but not to their dissemination to third persons and where such image or act is disseminated, such dissemination shall be considered an offence under this section.
Whoever watches, or captures the image of a woman engaging in a private act in circumstances where she would usually have the expectation of not being observed either by the perpetrator or by any other person at the behest of the perpetrator or disseminates such image shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year, but which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine, and be punished on a second or subsequent conviction, 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.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 354C preserved character-identically as BNS 77.
Old position
IPC 354C is concerned with Voyeurism. Voyeurism
New position
BNS 77 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Voyeurism. Whoever watches, or captures the image of a woman engaging in a private act in circumstances where she would usually have the expectation of not being observed either by the perpetrator or by any other person at the behest of the
BNS 77 (Voyeurism) preserves the framework of IPC 354C. BNS 77 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. BNS 77 text: Whoever watches, or captures the image of a woman engaging in a private...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS 77 (Voyeurism) preserves the framework of IPC 354C. BNS 77 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BNS 77 text: Whoever watches, or captures the image of a woman engaging in a private act in circumstances where she would usually have the expectation of not being observed either by the perpetrator or by any other person at the behest of the perpetrator or disseminates such image shall be punished on first conviction with...
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 354C continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 77 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 77 (Voyeurism). The relationship is classified as substantively_same — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §354C → BNS §77 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/354C.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.