FIVE SECTIONS OF THE INDIAN PENAL CODE THAT WOMEN CAN USE TO FIGHT CRIMES THAT INCLUDE STALKING, DEFAMATION AND ONLINE ABUSE.

1. Section. 509: 'Word, Gesture or Act intended to insult the modesty of a woman' pertains directly to sexual harassment. Though initially designed to address the widespread issue of street sexual harassment (or 'eve-teasing' in its watered-down version), Section. 509 can be applied to the harassment of women in online spaces. In 2001, a young man in the 11th Grade was convicted under Section. 509 for making vulgar remarks about female classmates on a website called Amazing.com. It was not only a successful use of Section. 509 to curb online harassment, but the first time a minor had been booked under the law.
2. Under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, the addition of Section. 354-A to the Indian Penal Code provides a more comprehensive definition of sexual harassment. It makes physical contact and advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures; demand or request for sexual favours; showing pornography against the will of a woman; or making sexually coloured remarks, a criminal offence.
3. Sexual. 354-D of the new Act pertains to 'stalking' - making it a crime - and also includes crimes that involve monitoring the electronic communication of a woman.
4. Section. 507 of the Indian Penal Code - criminal intimidation by anonymous communication - is another provision that may be used by women facing harassment and threats online.
5. Section. 499 pertains to defamation. If a woman is being defamed or publicly shamed online she can take legal recourse.

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