A message resurfaces on social media from time to time claiming that a new law has been brought into effect by the Modi government for the safety of women- section 233 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This message was again widely shared on social media following the horrifying series of crimes against women in the country, including gangrape and murder in 26-year old veterinary doctor in Hyderabad and murder of a rape victim in Unnao. 

A Facebook user named Harsh Dalu the same message of 3rd Demeber.

A longer version of a similar message is being shared on Whatsapp.

The complete message says, 

Finally a new law passed. As per Indian Penal Code 233. If a girl is suspected to be raped or getting raped, then she has the supreme right to kill the man, or harm that person as dangerously and girl won’t be blamed for murder. Tell as many as you can its your power create awareness. Share this as many as you can 
1. What should a woman do if she finds herself alone in the company of a strange male as she prepares to enter a lift in a High Rise apartment late at night …????? Experts Say : Enter the lift ……… If you need to reach the 13th floor, press all the buttons up to your destination. No one will dare attack you in a lift that stops on every floor.
2. What to do if a stranger tries to attack you when you are alone in your house, run into the kitchen.Experts Say : You alone know where the chili powder and turmeric are kept. And where the knives and plates are. All these can be turned into deadly weapons. If nothing else, start throwing plates and utensils all over. Let them break. Scream… Remember that noise is the greatest enemy of a molester. He does not want to be caught.
3. Taking an Auto or Taxi at Night.Experts Say : Before getting into an auto at night, note down its registration number. Then use the mobile to call your family or friend and pass on the details to them in the language the driver understands. Even if no one answers your call, pretend you are in a conversation. The driver now knows someone has his details and he will be in serious trouble if anything goes wrong. He is now bound to take you home safe and sound. A potential attacker is now your de facto protector.
4. What if the driver turns into a street he is not supposed too and you feel you are entering a danger zone …Experts Say : Use the handle of your purse or your stole (dupatta) to wrap around his neck and pull him back. Within seconds, he will feel choked and helpless. In case you don’t have a purse or stole just pull him back by his collar. The top button of his shirt would then do the same trick.
5. If you are stalked at night …Expert Say : enter a shop or a house and explain your predicament. If it is night and shops are not open, go inside an ATM box. ATM centers always have close circuit television. Fearing identification, no one will dare attack you.After all, being mentally alert is the greatest weapon you can ever have.Please spread it to all those women u care & spread awareness as this is the least we can do for a social & moral cause and for the safety of our women.

Guys please forward it to your MOMS … SISTERS … WIVES and female FRIENDS …… Better safe than sorry friends. Plzz frwrd to all GIRLS u know…..To All the WOMEN

A similar message was shared in 2012 after the brutal Nirbhaya case. 

The truth behind the message

In our investigation, we found that the claims made in this viral message are false.  Section 233  of the Indian Penal Code (criminal code of India) refers to punishment for counterfeiting coins and in no way related to the self-defense of an individual. 

The section in the IPC which are related to the seld-defense of an individual is Sections 96 to 106. Section 96 states, “Things done in private defence.—Nothing is an offense which is done in the exercise of the right of private defense.” 

Section 100 of the IPC specifically describes self-defense which may amount to causing the death of the assailant if it is an assault “with the intention of committing rape”.

We did not find any media reports on this supposed move on enacting a new law on self-defense to combat crimes against women.

In conclusion, the claims made in the viral post that a new law has been brought into effect by the Modi government for the safety of women- section 233 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) is false.