Law against applying colors on Holi and your safety

Holi colors and safety

As the festival of Holi approaches, there is an atmosphere of colors and gulal all around. But in this happy moment, some people try to force colors on others, which is wrong. The law does not give anyone the right to apply colors against your will or harass you by saying ‘Don’t feel bad, it’s Holi!’ Laws are in place to protect your safety, privacy and dignity. If a person tries to paint, follows you, or uses force despite your refusal, various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) can be invoked immediately. In an exclusive interview on this topic, Delhi High Court lawyer Deepak Thukral gave information about the sections under which the accused can be punished and the victim can get justice.

Let us know…

legal clauses

1. BNS Section 74 (Forcibly applying colour, touching, hugging)

According to Section 74 of the Indian Penal Code, touching, forcibly applying color or hugging a woman without her consent is a crime. If a person forces himself on a woman on the pretext of Holi, this section is applicable. This offense can result in a jail term of one to five years and a fine. Advocate Deepak Thukral says that earlier cases were registered in this matter under section 354 of IPC.

2. BNS Section 75 (Sexual Harassment)

Under Section 75 of the Indian Penal Code, touching a woman without her consent or making obscene gestures is a direct crime. If someone approaches a woman forcefully or makes obscene gestures on the day of Holi, this section is applicable. In such cases, the accused may be jailed up to 3 years, fined or both.

3. BNS Section 79 (outraging the modesty of a woman)

Under Section 79, it is an offense to utter words or make gestures intended to insult the modesty of a woman. Making dirty comments or harassing a woman during Holi comes under this section. In such crimes, the punishment can be up to 3 years in jail and fine.

4. BNS Section 115 (2) (causing hurt)

Under Section 115(2), it is an offense to cause hurt to a person, such as by pushing or by burning with chemical colours. This applies when someone harms someone in the name of Holi. This crime can result in imprisonment up to one year, fine or both.

5. BNS Section 270 (Public Nuisance)

Section 270 makes public nuisance a punishable offence. Creating ruckus on the streets during Holi, making loud noise, or obstructing the movement of people, all these come under the ambit of public nuisance. In such cases, fine is imposed as per law.

important things

Women and girls have the right to refuse getting colored.

Applying color to someone without their consent is a legal offence.

You cannot escape the crime by saying that it is a joke or Holi.

Immediate action is taken upon receiving the complaint.

Depending on the crime, the culprit may also be arrested immediately.