In a significant ruling underscoring the power of words and their societal implications, a local court has convicted a man under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code for insulting the modesty of his female neighbour through abusive language. The court held that the term ‘haram’—used in the derogatory remarks—was not a casual insult but carried connotations that struck directly at the woman’s character and dignity.
The case was heard by a Judicial Magistrate First Class, who noted that the word ‘haram’ is not merely an expression of disapproval but one loaded with meaning. “‘Haram’ means something forbidden and earned through ill-gotten or bastardised means,” the court said in its order. “It is bound to insult the modesty of any hardworking woman.”
According to the prosecution, the accused had been verbally harassing his neighbour since 2017, frequently passing lewd remarks. The case specifically cited an incident in which the man shouted at the woman, accusing her of bringing in “haram ka maal” and implying sexual promiscuity with the phrase “kitno se karwa ke aayi hai.”
The court interpreted the words as more than just offensive. “‘Kitno se karwa ke aayi hai’ is not a simple insult,” the judge said. “It directly targets the sex of a woman, implies disloyalty, and casts aspersions on her sexual conduct. The remarks suggest she is engaged in sexual relations with various men—an insinuation that amounts to an attack on her modesty.”
Despite the defence arguing that there were no independent eyewitnesses to corroborate the complainant’s account, the court found the woman’s testimony credible and consistent. “The absence of other witnesses does not negate the impact of the words or the intent behind them,” the judgment stated.
The court’s decision has been hailed by women’s rights advocates as a step forward in recognising the impact of verbal abuse on a woman’s dignity. It also sets a precedent by explicitly acknowledging the cultural and linguistic weight certain words carry in public discourse.
The accused now faces sentencing under Section 509 of the IPC, which prescribes punishment for words, gestures, or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman. The sentencing is expected in the coming days.
