IPC to BNS
IPC Section 509 in BNS: Section 79
Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) corresponds to Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 509 and BNS 79 at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 509 | 79 |
| Heading | Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman | Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman |
| Punishment | Simple imprisonment up to 3 years and fine. | Simple imprisonment up to 3 years and fine. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 509 covered
Punishes uttering any word, making any sound or gesture, or exhibiting any object, intending to insult the modesty of a woman, or intruding upon her privacy.
What changed in BNS Section 79
The punishment is unchanged. BNS Section 79 expressly covers exhibiting an object "in any form", which reaches electronic content.
Punishment: IPC 509 compared with BNS 79
The punishment is the same under both codes. Simple imprisonment up to 3 years and fine.
Which law applies: IPC or BNS?
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. An offence committed before that date continues to be investigated, tried and punished under the IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
Read the full text of both provisions before you cite them. The official bare acts are published on India Code.
IPC 509: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 509?
IPC Section 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) corresponds to Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 79?
Simple imprisonment up to 3 years and fine.
Does IPC Section 509 still apply to older cases?
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. An offence committed before that date continues to be investigated, tried and punished under the IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
Related IPC sections
- IPC 498A to BNS 85 · Cruelty by husband
- IPC 494 to BNS 82(1) · Bigamy
- IPC 366 to BNS 87 · Abduction for marriage
- IPC 354D to BNS 78 · Stalking
- IPC 354C to BNS 77 · Voyeurism
- IPC 354B to BNS 76 · Disrobing
- IPC 354A to BNS 75 · Sexual harassment
- IPC 354 to BNS 74 · Outraging modesty
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Not legal advice. This comparison is a research starting point. A mapped section is not proof that two provisions are identical. Read both bare acts, check commencement and any later amendment, and have a qualified advocate review anything you intend to rely on. Settl is not a law firm.