IPC Section 354C = BNS Section 77

Voyeurism

दृश्यरतिकता

Offences Against Women No Change in Punishment Cognizable Non-Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 354C of the IPC dealt with voyeurism — watching or capturing images of a woman engaged in private acts without her consent. Under BNS 2023, this is now Section 77.
Hindi IPC की धारा 354C दृश्यरतिकता (वॉयरिज्म) से संबंधित थी। BNS 2023 के तहत यह अब धारा 77 है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 354C Section 77
Title Voyeurism Voyeurism
Punishment First offence: imprisonment not less than 1 year up to 3 years and fine; Second offence: not less than 3 years up to 7 years and fine First offence: imprisonment not less than 1 year up to 3 years and fine; Second offence: not less than 3 years up to 7 years and fine
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable No — Bail at the discretion of the court
Compoundable No — Cannot be compounded/settled
Triable By Magistrate of the First Class

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 354C to BNS 77
  • Punishment remains the same for both first and repeat offences
  • No substantive changes

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused watched or captured images of a woman
  2. 2 The woman was engaged in a private act
  3. 3 She did not consent to being watched or captured

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 354C?

IPC Section 354C (Voyeurism) is now BNS Section 77 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has the punishment changed from IPC 354C to BNS 77?

No, the punishment remains substantially the same. Under BNS 77: First offence: imprisonment not less than 1 year up to 3 years and fine; Second offence: not less than 3 years up to 7 years and fine.

Is BNS Section 77 cognizable?

Yes, BNS Section 77 is a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence.

Legal Disclaimer

This IPC-to-BNS section comparison is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The mapping may not cover all nuances introduced by the new law. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before relying on this information. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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