IPC 354B → BNS 76: Disrobe Woman

IPC 354B (now BNS 76): Assault or Criminal Force to a Woman with Intent to Disrobe

IPC Section 354B punishes assault or use of criminal force on a woman, or abetment of such an act, with the intention of disrobing her or compelling her to be naked. From 1 July 2024 it continues as Section 76 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.

Punishment under BNS 76 (same as IPC 354B)

Imprisonment of not less than 3 years, extendable to 7 years, and fine. The mandatory-minimum structure of old IPC 354B is preserved.

What changed from IPC to BNS?

There is no major change — the offence and its 3-to-7-year punishment band carry over, with only the number moving from IPC 354B to BNS 76. New FIRs cite BNS 76.

Worked example

A group forcibly tears at a woman's clothing during a quarrel intending to strip her. Even an abettor who urges or assists the act is caught by BNS 76 because the section expressly covers abetment, and the minimum 3-year sentence applies on conviction.

Practical notes

• For advocates: BNS 76 sits within the cluster of offences against women. Compare assault to outrage modesty (IPC 354 to BNS 74), sexual harassment (IPC 354A to BNS 75) and stalking (IPC 354D to BNS 78), which are often charged together.
• Because of the mandatory minimum, this is a serious charge — secure specialised criminal counsel at once.