Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 354C
repealedVoyeurism
Any man who watches, or captures the image of a woman engaging in a private act in circumstances where she would usually have the expectation of not being observed either by the perpetrator or by any other person at the behest of the perpetrator or disseminates such image1 shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year, but which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine, and be punished on a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years, but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Why this exists
This offence was added in 2013 to address the growing misuse of hidden cameras and smartphones to secretly film women in private moments, and the further harm of circulating such images. The escalating punishment for repeat offenders reflects the law's intent to deter habitual violation of women's privacy. After 2024, this offence corresponds to Section 77 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: Only the person who films the video can be punished.
Fact: The law also punishes anyone who disseminates or shares such images, not just the person who originally captured them.