Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Indian Penal Code, 1860, contains specific provisions to protect women against acts that are intended to insult or outrage their modesty.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the sections mentioned:
- Sections 376(a) and 376(b) deal with punishments for the crime of rape in different circumstances.
- Section 354 is titled "Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty." It criminalizes any act of assaulting or using criminal force against a woman, intending to outrage or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby outrage her modesty. This is the primary section dealing with this specific offence.
- Section 498 deals with "Enticing or taking away or detaining with criminal intent a married woman."
Therefore, the correct section for punishing the act of outraging the modesty of a woman is Section 354.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The offence of outraging the modesty of a woman is punishable under Section 354 of the IPC.