What to Do If You Face Molestation: Know Your Rights

Eve Teasing or Molestation : Eve-teasing refers to the unwanted sexual comments, gestures, or behaviours directed at women in public spaces like streets, markets, or public transport. This can include lewd remarks, inappropriate touching, or staring. The term is problematic because it suggests that women are somehow to blame for provoking such harassment, which unfairly shifts the responsibility from the harasser to the victim. It’s important to recognize that eve-teasing is a form of sexual harassment and is a serious issue that affects many women.

In Hindi eve-teasing is known as “chheda-khaanee” or “छेड ़ खानी”. 

Legal redressal related to the offence under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita: 

• Assault or use of criminal force to woman (Section 74) BNS : 

Anyone assaults or uses criminal force on any woman, attacks her, using force to see or do anything, or intending to outrage her modesty.

Punishment : Imprisonment for 1 year which may extend to 5 years and fine; Non-bailable.

• Using word, gesture or act intends to insult modesty of a woman (Section 79) BNS: 

Whoever, intending to insult women, utters bad words, makes any sound or gesture, publicly watches obscene videos like pornography in front of women or intrudes upon the privacy of women.

Punishment: Simple Imprisonment for 3 years and fine; Bailable.