Published on: 15 September, 2025 16:11 IST
Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan recently revealed a disturbing experience of being flashed (Flashing of private body part) in public in broad daylight during a conversation with Hauterrfly. She shared that while in Italy, such incidents apparently happen often, but it is shocking to face this during the day and in public.
Soha expressed confusion over the motive behind this indecent act and highlighted her awareness of her privileged position, while acknowledging that many ordinary women who travel daily, especially by local transport, endure such harassment routinely but often do not report it.
In India, flashing one’s private parts in public is a criminal offence and punishable by law. Recent court rulings underline that even if no physical harm is inflicted, flashing is a serious crime as it humiliates victims, causes mental agony, and leaves lasting scars. For instance, a special POCSO Act court recently convicted and sentenced a 29-year-old man to one year’s imprisonment for flashing a 17-year-old girl on her way to college. The court emphasized that such indecent behavior is unacceptable and rejects any false accusations by the accused without reasonable proof. Although the maximum punishment under this category can be up to three years imprisonment, the court may pass an appropriate sentence depending on the case specifics.
Under Indian law, such acts can be prosecuted under various provisions, including Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which punishes obscene acts in public places with imprisonment up to three months, fine, or both. In more serious cases, where the act causes mental trauma or amounts to sexual harassment, sections under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act or IPC Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) may be invoked, carrying heavier penalties.
It is reported that around 35% of females in India face such sexual harassment in public, but many avoid reporting these incidents due to fear, stigma, or lack of trust in the system. This underreporting complicates efforts to tackle such crimes effectively and protect women’s safety.
Moreover, with the rise of digital technology, cyber flashing—sending unsolicited explicit images electronically—has become increasingly common. This form of harassment is also punishable under Indian laws related to cybercrime, including the Information Technology Act and IPC provisions against sexual harassment and voyeurism. Victims of cyber flashing have legal remedies to report and seek action against perpetrators to ensure their safety and dignity.
In conclusion, flashing is a criminal act with clear punishments under Indian law aimed at safeguarding dignity and mental well-being, whether it occurs physically in public or digitally online. Public awareness, legal enforcement, and victim support are critical to addressing this prevalent issue and ensuring justice for survivors.