IPC Section 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.

IPC Section 35B: Simplified Explanation

IPC Section 354B of the Indian Penal Code deals with the offence of “assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe.” This section addresses situations where an individual assaults or uses criminal force against a woman with the intent of disrobing her, which is a severe violation of her dignity and privacy. 

Key elements of this section include: 

• Assault or Criminal Force: The individual must commit an act of assault (as defined under IPC Section 351) or use criminal force (as defined under IPC Section 350) against a woman. 
• Intent to Disrobe: The act must be done to disrobe or compel her to be naked. 

Is IPC Section 354B Bailable? 

IPC Section 354B is a non-bailable offence. Given the serious nature of the offence, which involves an intent to outrage the modesty and dignity of a woman by disrobing her, the accused must appear before a court to seek bail. 

IPC Section 354B Punishment 

The Punishment under IPC Section 354B for assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to disrobe includes: 

• Imprisonment for a term that shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years, 
• And also liable to a fine. 

The severe Punishment reflects the gravity of the offence and the need to protect the dignity and privacy of women. 

Example of IPC Section 354B 

A real-life example of IPC Section 354B involved a case where a man forcibly tried to pull off a woman’s clothing in a public place during a festival. The woman resisted and managed to escape, and the incident was reported to the police. The man was arrested and charged under IPC Section 354B for his actions. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to a significant prison term and a fine. This case highlighted the legal protections available to women against acts intended to disrobe them and the serious consequences for perpetrators of such offences. 

In another instance, a woman was attacked by a group of men who attempted to strip her of her clothes during a communal disturbance. The perpetrators were charged under IPC Section 354B for their intent to disrobe the woman. This case underscored the stringent legal measures in place to address such severe violations of women’s dignity and the serious penalties imposed on offenders.