Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code, often known as IPC 354, addresses the offence of assault or use of unlawful force on a woman with the aim of violating her modesty. Several behaviours that may be regarded as such offences are defined in this section, including:
* Using unlawful force or assault on a woman with the goal of outraging her modesty
* Making inappropriate sexual gestures or approaches to a lady
* Voyeurism, or the act of observing or photographing a woman doing a private act without her permission
* Following a woman and making attempts to get in touch or speak with her even when it is obvious that she does not want to be bothered.
Since IPC 354 is a non-bailable offence, the offender cannot be freed on bond without the judge’s approval. For this offence, the maximum sentence is two years in prison; nevertheless, the maximum sentence is seven years in prison. A fine may also be imposed. The type and seriousness of the offence will determine how harsh the punishment is.
The Indian Penal Code has two distinct sections, IPC 354, and IPC 509, which address various kinds of offences.
The offence of assault or use of unlawful force against a woman with the purpose of violating her modesty is covered by PC 354. Infractions include physical contact, stalking, advances made towards a woman, and any other act that violates the modesty of a woman. The punishment for the offence of IPC 354 is imprisonment for a term that may extend up to two years with a fine or both.
IPC 509, on the other hand, addresses the offence of disparaging a woman’s modesty. This section covers offences including making any sexually suggestive comments or gestures directed at a lady that are meant to belittle her modesty or that really do so. A maximum sentence of three years in prison, a fine, or both can be imposed as punishment for violating IPC 509.
In conclusion, IPC 509 addresses verbal offences that denigrate a woman’s modesty, whereas IPC 354 addresses physical offences against a woman’s modesty. The protection of women’s modesty and dignity is the goal of both sections, although the offences and punishments are different.
Among the important elements that can lead to acquittal in IPC 354 cases is the credibility of the victim’s statement. If the victim’s statement is found to be inconsistent or unreliable, it can weaken the prosecution’s case and lead to the acquittal of the accused.
In a case filed under IPC 354, the prosecution bears the burden of proof. The prosecution must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant used unlawful force or violence against a lady with the purpose of violating her modesty.
The prosecution always has the burden of proof in criminal trials, and it is their duty to prove the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In court, the prosecution must present evidence supporting each allegation of the offence. The proof that is offered ought to be trustworthy, legitimate, and acceptable in court.
In criminal trials, the burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” As a result, the prosecution needs to provide evidence that meets certain requirements, where there is no reasonable doubt in the court’s mind about the guilt of the accused. If the prosecution fails to meet this standard of proof, the accused person must be acquitted.
Regarding IPC 354, the prosecution has to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant assaulted or used unlawful force against a woman with the intent to violate her modesty. Evidence proving the accused’s identity, the type and severity of the assault or use of unlawful force, and the accused’s purpose to violate the woman’s modesty must all be presented by the prosecution. In accordance with IPC 354 an accused person may be found guilty of an offence if the prosecution can establish each of these criteria beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a case filed under IPC 354 bail may be granted anticipatory. An accused individual may request bail prior to their arrest under the Indian criminal justice system’s anticipatory bail provision. The court may grant anticipatory bail if it is satisfied that the accused individual is not likely to flee or tamper with evidence and if there are no other strong grounds for the bail request to be denied.
It is crucial to remember that the court has the authority to decide whether to grant anticipatory bail and that it is not a given. The magnitude of the offence, the type of evidence, the possibility of the accused evading justice or falsifying evidence are just a few of the variables the court will take into account. and the impact of the offense on society while deciding on the grant of anticipatory bail.
When deciding whether to grant anticipatory bail in cases involving IPC 354—which deals with the offence of assault or criminal force against a woman with the intention of outraging her modesty—the courts are likely to take the offence seriously. They may also take the offence’s nature and severity into consideration. However, in a case registered under IPC 354, anticipatory bail may be granted if the accused can persuade the court that he or she is not likely to flee or tamper with evidence and that there are no other compelling reasons to reject bail.
In the 2010 Supreme Court of India decision in Preeti Gupta & Others Versus State of Jharkhand & Others; 7 SCC 667, the court established comprehensive standards for the examination and prosecution of instances involving sexual assault. These rules place a strong emphasis on the necessity of maintaining evidence preservation and showing empathy towards the victim. Some of the directives that the court provided are as follows:
* Sexual assault cases need to be investigated and tried in a way that doesn’t traumatise the victim. Throughout the procedure, the victim must be treated with respect and decency.
* The victim needs to testify in a setting that is encouraging and secure. It is the trial court’s responsibility to make sure the victim is not harassed or intimidated while testifying.
* The police are required to make sure that all evidence is gathered and appropriately stored. As quickly as feasible, the evidence needs to be sealed and delivered for forensic analysis.
* The police must also make sure that no evidence is interfered with and that the crime scene is secured.
* The victim needs to be examined by a doctor as soon as possible following the incident. The examination must be conducted by a qualified doctor and must be done in a manner that does not cause further trauma to the victim.
* The victim’s age needs to be ascertained as soon as feasible. The court emphasised following the parameters set down by the Supreme Court in Dr Subramanian Swamy v. Director, CBI case for determining an individual’s age.
* The inquiry ought to be carried out objectively, without favouring either the accused or the victim.
* The trial court is responsible for making sure the accused has an equal opportunity to present their case. The prosecution must establish the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, and the accused is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
In summary, the instructions established by the Supreme Court in the 2010 case of Preeti Gupta & Another Versus State of Jharkhand & Another; 7 SCC 667 underscore the significance of exercising empathy for the victim and maintaining the integrity of the evidence. With a focus on objectivity and justice for both the victim and the accused, the rules also offer comprehensive instructions for the investigation and trial of sexual assault cases.
Adv. Khanak Sharma