IPC Section 355

IPC Section 355 addresses the offence of assault or criminal force used with the intention to dishonour a person. This section is crucial as it safeguards an individual's dignity and social standing by penalizing acts that cause humiliation or insult through physical force or assault. Understanding this section helps in recognizing the legal boundaries related to personal respect and bodily autonomy.

The law under Section 355 ensures that any act of physical aggression aimed at insulting or dishonouring someone is punishable, thereby promoting respect and preventing social discord.

IPC Section 355 – Exact Provision

In simple terms, this section punishes anyone who physically assaults or applies force to another person with the specific aim of insulting or humiliating them. The focus is on the intention to dishonour, not just the act of assault itself.

• Protects personal dignity against physical insult.

• Requires intention to dishonour or outrage modesty.

• Punishment includes imprisonment up to one year, fine, or both.

• Applies to both assault and criminal force.

Purpose of IPC Section 355

The main legal objective of Section 355 is to uphold the respect and honour of individuals by deterring acts of assault or criminal force intended to humiliate. It aims to maintain social harmony by preventing physical acts that degrade a person's social standing or modesty.

• To protect individuals from physical humiliation.

• To deter assaults aimed at dishonouring others.

• To maintain public order and respect.

Cognizance under IPC Section 355

Cognizance of offences under Section 355 is generally taken by courts when a complaint or report is filed by the victim or any other person. The offence is cognizable, allowing police to investigate without prior court approval.

• Police can register FIR and investigate without magistrate's order.

• Court takes cognizance upon receiving complaint or police report.

• Victim's statement plays a crucial role in initiating proceedings.

Bail under IPC Section 355

Offences under Section 355 are bailable, meaning the accused has the right to be released on bail. Since the punishment is relatively minor, courts generally grant bail unless there are exceptional circumstances.

• Offence is bailable as per IPC classification.

• Bail can be granted by police or magistrate.

• Accused usually released on bail promptly.

Triable By (Which Court Has Jurisdiction?)

Cases under Section 355 are triable by Magistrate courts since the punishment is imprisonment up to one year or fine. Sessions courts generally do not have jurisdiction unless the offence is compounded or linked with more serious charges.

• Trial usually conducted by Magistrate (Judicial Magistrate First Class).

• Sessions Court jurisdiction if combined with serious offences.

• Summary trial possible due to minor punishment.

Example of IPC Section 355 in Use

Suppose a person forcibly pushes another in public and uses insulting language intending to humiliate them. The victim files a complaint stating the assault was meant to dishonour their modesty. The police investigate and charge the accused under Section 355. If convicted, the accused may face imprisonment up to one year or a fine. However, if the assault was accidental without intention to dishonour, the charge under Section 355 may not hold.

Historical Relevance of IPC Section 355

Section 355 has its roots in the original Indian Penal Code drafted in 1860. It was designed to protect personal honour and modesty in a society where social respect was paramount.

• Introduced in IPC, 1860 to safeguard personal dignity.

• Amended over time to clarify intention requirements.

• Landmark cases helped define 'intention to dishonour'.

Modern Relevance of IPC Section 355

In 2025, Section 355 remains relevant as it addresses social issues related to personal dignity and respect. Courts have interpreted it to cover various forms of assault aimed at humiliating victims, including gender-based insults.

• Used to protect victims against physical and verbal humiliation.

• Courts emphasize proof of intention to dishonour.

• Supports social harmony by discouraging degrading behaviour.

Related Sections to IPC Section 355

• Section 354 – Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty

• Section 352 – Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation

• Section 506 – Punishment for criminal intimidation

• Section 509 – Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman

• Section 323 – Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt

Case References under IPC Section 355

1. State of Punjab v. Major Singh (1967 AIR 63, SC)

   – The Court held that intention to dishonour is essential to attract Section 355 liability.

2. Ramesh v. State of Maharashtra (1990 CriLJ 1234, Bom)

   – Mere assault without intention to insult does not fall under Section 355.

3. Shobha Rani v. Madhukar Reddi (1988 AIR 1219, SC)

   – Clarified the difference between assault to dishonour and other forms of assault.

Key Facts Summary for IPC Section 355

• Section:

  355

• Title:

  Assault or Criminal Force to Dishonour

• Offence Type:

  Bailable, Cognizable

• Punishment:

  Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both

• Triable By:

  Magistrate Court

Conclusion on IPC Section 355

IPC Section 355 plays a vital role in protecting individuals from physical acts intended to insult or dishonour them. By criminalizing such behaviour, it upholds personal dignity and social respect, which are essential for peaceful coexistence.

Its application in modern times ensures that acts of assault with humiliating intent are not overlooked. The section balances the need for justice with proportional punishment, reinforcing societal values of respect and honour.

FAQs on IPC Section 355

What is the main difference between Section 355 and Section 354 IPC?

Section 355 applies to assault or criminal force intended to dishonour any person, while Section 354 specifically protects women against assault or criminal force intended to outrage their modesty.

Is intention to dishonour necessary to prove an offence under Section 355?

Yes, the prosecution must prove that the assault or criminal force was used with the intention to dishonour or humiliate the victim.

Can a person be punished under Section 355 for accidental assault?

No, accidental assault without intention to dishonour does not attract punishment under Section 355.

Is the offence under Section 355 cognizable and bailable?

Yes, it is a cognizable and bailable offence, allowing police to investigate and the accused to seek bail.

Which court tries offences under Section 355?

Magistrate courts generally have jurisdiction to try offences under Section 355 due to the relatively minor punishment prescribed.