Need for enhanced punishment for outraging the modesty of woman U/S 354 IPC.

ABSTRACT

Crime against women are rising in India especially in State of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi and there is a need felt in every corner of India to enhance punishment to deter these crimes. India is signatories to various International treaties including related to protection of human rights of woman and children. Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and various High Courts has taken cognizance of situation on many occasions and recommended to Union of India and state Governments to amend the law to protect the faith of common man especially vulnerable groups like woman and children. A Critical review of decisions of courts has been done for highlighting the legal situation on the issue of meaning and scope of applicability of section 354 IPC. Data base collected and compiled from the National Crime Record Bureau website to understand the rising trend of crime. This paper discusses various reasons for less punishment for molestation and need for enhanced punishment and making it non-bailable to make sense in preventing rising crimes against woman.