Punishment for repeat offenders
Full Text
71. Whoever has been previously convicted of an offence punishable under section 64 or section 65 or section 66 or section 70 and is subsequently convicted of an offence punishable under any of the said sections shall be punished with imprisonment for life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, or with death.
Plain English Summary
Mandates severe punishment (imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, or death) for individuals who are subsequently convicted of rape or gang rape offences (under Sections 64, 65, 66, or 70) after a prior conviction under any of these sections.
Key Legal Elements
- Prior conviction under Section 64, 65, 66, or 70.
- Subsequent conviction under any of the same sections (64, 65, 66, or 70).
- Mandatory punishment of either imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, or death.
Punishment
Imprisonment for life (remainder of natural life) or death, along with fine.
Practical Note
Section 71 BNS replaces Section 376E of the IPC. It establishes a zero-tolerance policy against repeat sexual offenders, prescribing either death penalty or life imprisonment (which means the remainder of natural life) if an individual previously convicted of rape, gang rape, or child rape is convicted again of any of these offenses.
हिंदी पाठ
71. जो कोई धारा 64 या धारा 65 या धारा 66 या धारा 70 के अधीन दंडनीय अपराध के लिए पहले सिद्धदोष ठहराया गया है, और बाद में इनमें से किसी भी धारा के अधीन दंडनीय अपराध के लिए पुनः सिद्धदोष ठहराया जाता है, तो उसे आजीवन कारावास से दंडित किया जाएगा, जिसका अर्थ उस व्यक्ति के शेष प्राकृत जीवनकाल के लिए कारावास होगा, या मृत्युदंड से दंडित किया जाएगा।