Punishment for rape in certain cases
Full Text
65. (1) Whoever, commits rape on a woman under sixteen years of age shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, and shall also be liable to fine:
Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the victim:
Provided further that any fine imposed under this sub-section shall be paid to the victim.
(2) Whoever, commits rape on a woman under twelve years of age shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, and with fine or with death:
Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the victim:
Provided further that any fine imposed under this sub-section shall be paid to the victim.
Plain English Summary
Prescribes enhanced punishment for rape committed against girls under 16 years (minimum 20 years rigorous imprisonment up to life) and under 12 years (minimum 20 years rigorous imprisonment up to life, or death). Fines are paid directly to the victim.
Key Legal Elements
- Rigorous imprisonment of at least 20 years extending to life (remainder of natural life) for rape of a girl under 16 years (sub-section 1).
- Rigorous imprisonment of at least 20 years extending to life (remainder of natural life), or death penalty for rape of a girl under 12 years (sub-section 2).
- Fine must be reasonable for medical and rehab expenses and paid entirely to the victim.
Punishment
For under 16: Rigorous imprisonment of 20 years to life (remainder of natural life) and fine. For under 12: Rigorous imprisonment of 20 years to life (remainder of natural life) and fine, or death.
Practical Note
Section 65 BNS replaces Section 376(3), 376AB, and 376DB of the IPC. It classifies child rape into two categories based on the victim's age: under 16 and under 12. In both cases, the minimum punishment is 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, and the fine must be reasonable to cover medical and rehabilitation costs and paid directly to the victim. For victims under 12, death penalty is an option.
हिंदी पाठ
65. (1) जो कोई, सोलह वर्ष से कम आयु की किसी महिला से बलात्संग करता है, तो वह कठिन कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि बीस वर्ष से कम नहीं होगी, किंतु जो आजीवन कारावास, जिससे उस व्यक्ति के शेष प्राकृत जीवनकाल का कारावास अभिप्रेत है, तक हो सकेगी, दंडित किया जाएगा और जुर्माने का भी दायी होगा:
परंतु ऐसा जुर्माना, पीड़िता के चिकित्सीय व्ययों को पूरा करने और पुनर्वास के लिए न्यायोचित और युक्तियुक्त होगा:
परंतु यह और कि इस उपधारा के अधीन अधिरोपित किसी भी जुर्माने का भुगतान पीड़िता को किया जाएगा।
(2) जो कोई, बारह वर्ष से कम आयु की किसी महिला से बलात्संग करता है, तो वह कठिन कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि बीस वर्ष से कम नहीं होगी, किंतु जो आजीवन कारावास, जिससे उस व्यक्ति के शेष प्राकृत जीवनकाल का कारावास अभिप्रेत है, और जुर्माने से, या मृत्युदंड से दंडित किया जाएगा:
परंतु ऐसा जुर्माना पीड़िता के चिकित्सीय खर्चों को पूरा करने और पुनर्वास के लिए न्यायोचित और युक्तियुक्त होगा:
परंतु यह और कि इस उपधारा के अधीन अधिरोपित किसी भी जुर्माने का भुगतान पीड़िता को किया जाएगा।