Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Stalking

Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertains to the offense of stalking. Stalking is a criminal offense that involves the repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other behavior directed at a specific person, causing that person to feel threatened or fearful.



Section 354D was inserted into the IPC through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which was enacted in response to concerns about the safety and security of women. The section provides for the punishment of stalking and defines the offense.

Here's a brief overview of Section 354D:

Section 354D - Stalking:-

(1) Any man who—

(i) follows a woman and contacts, or attempts to contact such woman to foster personal interaction repeatedly despite a clear indication of disinterest by such woman; or

(ii) monitors the use by a woman of the internet, email or any other form of electronic communication commits the offence of stalking: commits the offence of stalking:

Provided that such conduct shall not amount to stalking if the man who pursued it proves that—

(i) it was pursued for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime and the man accused of stalking had been entrusted with the responsibility of prevention and detection of crime by the State; or

(ii) it was pursued under any law or to comply with any condition or requirement imposed by any person under any law; or

(iii) in the particular circumstances such conduct was reasonable and justified.
description for a term 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 may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Punishment: Whoever commits the offense of stalking shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

On a second or subsequent conviction, the punishment may be imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, along with a fine.

Cognizable Offense: Stalking is a cognizable offense, meaning the police can make an arrest without a warrant.

Bailable: In general, the offense of stalking is bailable, but the court may impose certain conditions while granting bail.


Repeat Offenses: The punishment is more severe for repeat offenses.