The Indian Penal Code (IPC) recognizes the offence of sexual assault, which is defined under Section 354A of the code. This section criminalizes sexual harassment and includes a range of acts such as physical contact, advances, or demands for sexual favors that are unwelcome or explicit. The section also punishes the use of criminal force against a woman with the intention of outraging her modesty.
Section 354A of the IPC
The punishment for sexual harassment under Section 354A of the IPC is imprisonment for a term of not less than one year, and not more than three years, along with a fine. The punishment can be increased to a term of not less than three years and not more than seven years if the act of sexual harassment was committed by a person in a position of authority or trust, such as a public servant or an employee of a private organization.
In addition to Section 354A, the IPC also recognizes the offence of outraging the modesty of a woman under Section 354. This section criminalizes acts such as molestation, sexual assault, and the use of criminal force against a woman with the intention of outraging her modesty. The punishment for this offence is imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than three years, along with a fine.
Sexual offences
It is important to note that the Indian legal system also recognizes other forms of sexual offences, such as rape under Section 375 of the IPC, which defines the offence of rape as non-consensual sexual intercourse by a man with a woman, and Section 376 which punishes the offender with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 7 years but which may extend to life imprisonment.
In conclusion, the Indian Penal Code recognizes the offence of sexual assault and criminalizes a range of acts such as physical contact, advances, or demands for sexual favors that are unwelcome or explicit, under Section 354A. The punishment for sexual harassment under Section 354A of the IPC is imprisonment for a term of not less than one year, and not more than three years, along with a fine.
The Indian legal system also recognizes other forms of sexual offences, such as rape under Section 375 and 376 of the IPC and the offence of outraging the modesty of a woman under Section 354 with different punishment.