Article written by Advocate Alpa Jogi on IPC 354C Voyeurism
The origin of the word voyeurism is voyeur, which is a French word meaning one who looks. It refers to an action by any male of looking at a woman secretly in such a manner that invades someone else's personal space and privacy. Voyeurism is the most prevalent and potentially illegal sexual conduct but the complexity of the criminal justice system, lack of awareness of the criminal procedure, and reluctance to report sexual offenses to the police can all make victims of sexual crimes hesitant to report such crimes.
Provisions of Voyeurism under IPC - 354C
Section 354C. Voyeurism.—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 image 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. It shall also be liable to a 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.
Explanation 1
For the purpose of this section, private act includes an act of watching carried out in a place which, in the circumstances, would reasonably be expected to provide privacy and where the victim's genitals, posterior, or breasts are exposed or covered only in underwear; or the victim is using a lavatory, or the victim is doing a sexual act that is not of a kind ordinarily done in public.
Explanation 2
Where the victim consents to the capture of the images or any act, but not to their dissemination to third persons, and where such image or act is disseminated, such dissemination shall be considered an offense under this section
Note : Above information is in general form, issued with a motive to help. Author disowns any kind of liability.
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