BNS Section 143
What are the punishments for trafficking a child under Indian law?
Short answer
Trafficking a child can lead to at least ten years’ rigorous imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, and a fine.
In detail
Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 defines trafficking as recruiting, moving, harbouring or receiving a person using threats, force, fraud, abuse of power, or inducement. The law does not consider the victim's consent. For any person trafficked, the offender faces a minimum of seven years’ rigorous imprisonment, which may rise to ten years, plus a fine. If more than one person is trafficked, the minimum rises to ten years and can extend to life imprisonment. When the victim is a child, the minimum imprisonment is ten years, also up to life, with a fine; if multiple children are trafficked, the minimum becomes fourteen years, still up to life, plus a fine. A repeat conviction for child trafficking results in life imprisonment. Any public servant or police officer involved is punished with life imprisonment and a fine.
Related questions
What actions are defined as 'hurt' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Can a husband be forced to financially support his wife, children, or parents if he refuses?
Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
If I accidentally hurt a consenting adult during a game, can I be criminally liable?
No, you are not criminally liable if the act was not intended to cause death or serious injury and the adult gave consent.
Can I defend myself even if it might harm a child nearby?
Yes, the law permits you to use private defence even if it risks harming an innocent person during a deadly assault.
People also ask
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Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.