Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the legal issue decided in the famous case of Rupa Bajaj v. K.P.S. Gill. The full name is Mrs. Rupan Deol Bajaj & Anr vs Kanwar Pal Singh Gill & Anr.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
This case involved an incident where a senior police officer, Mr. K.P.S. Gill, allegedly patted the posterior of a senior IAS officer, Mrs. Rupan Deol Bajaj, at a party. A criminal complaint was filed against him.
The legal question revolved around whether this act amounted to an "outrage of the modesty of a woman," which is an offense under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code ("Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty").
The Supreme Court, in its judgment, held that the act did constitute an offense under Section 354 of the IPC. The court provided a detailed interpretation of what constitutes 'modesty' of a woman and what kind of act would amount to outraging it. The conviction of Mr. Gill was upheld.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The case of Rupa Bajaj v. K.P.S. Gill was decided on the issue of outraging the modesty of a woman.
A glance over all the Sections related to extortion would reveal a clear distinction being carried out between the actual commission of extortion and the process of putting a person in fear for the purpose of committing extortion. Section 383 defines extortion, the punishment therefor is given in Section 384. Sections 386 and 388 provide for an aggravated form of extortion. These sections deal with the actual commission of an act of extortion, whereas Sections 385, 387 and 389 IPC seek to punish for an act committed for the purpose of extortion even though the act of extortion may not be complete and property not delivered. It is in the process of committing an offence that a person is put in fear of injury, death or grievous hurt. Section 387 IPC provides for a stage prior to committing extortion, which is putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt ’in order to commit extortion’, similar to Section 385 IPC. Hence, Section 387 IPC is an aggravated form of 385 IPC, not 384 IPC. Having deliberated upon the offence of extortion and its forms, we proceed to analyze the essentials of both Sections, i.e.,383 and 387 IPC, the High Court dealt with.
(Extracted from Balaji Traders v. State of UP, 2025 INSC 806)