**Core Concept**
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is a comprehensive legislation that outlines various offenses and their corresponding punishments in India. Section 509 of the IPC specifically deals with the offense of 'word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.'

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Section 509 IPC is a criminal offense that aims to protect women from verbal or non-verbal harassment, intimidation, or molestation. This section is often invoked in cases where a person makes a comment, gesture, or act that is intended to insult a woman's modesty, leading to her feelings of shame, humiliation, or embarrassment. The section is designed to maintain public order and prevent the degradation of women.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because Section 509 IPC specifically deals with an offense against a woman, and the language used must be intended to insult her modesty.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because Section 509 IPC does not pertain to the offense of defamation, which is covered under a different section of the IPC.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because Section 509 IPC does not deal with the offense of rape, which is a separate and more serious offense covered under a different section of the IPC.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that Section 509 IPC can be applied in cases where a person's words, gestures, or actions are intended to insult a woman's modesty, even if she does not take it seriously or does not complain about it.

**Correct Answer: C. The offense of 'word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman' is dealt with in Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).**