IPC 509- The victim must hear what is said against her- otherwise, no offence.

Kerala High Court last day, rendered a reportable judgment in an offence of section 509 IPC.

The section read so-

Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen, by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and also with fine¹.

The question is whether such word to be heard by the victim herself or it will be enough for a conviction, if it is heard by some other persons, and it is intimated to her. The high court said, the said word must have been heard by the victim so as to attract the offence of section 509 IPC. Judgment. It is a case in an incident occurred in Government law college, Ernakulam. Advocate Sherry J Thomas appeared for the petitioner. Judgment is uploaded.