BNS Section 70
What punishment does a group face for raping an adult woman or a girl under 18?
Short answer
A group that rapes an adult woman gets at least 20 years, up to life imprisonment, and a fine for the victim’s care; if the victim is under 18, the penalty is life or death plus a fine.
In detail
If a woman is raped by two or more people acting together, each person is treated as having committed rape. For an adult woman, the law requires a minimum of twenty years of rigorous imprisonment, and the court may extend the sentence to life, meaning the rest of the person’s natural life. In addition, the court must impose a fine that is fair and reasonable to cover the victim’s medical expenses and rehabilitation, and this fine must be paid directly to the victim. When the victim is a girl younger than eighteen, the punishment becomes harsher: each offender can be sentenced to life imprisonment or, in some cases, the death penalty, along with a similar fine for the victim’s care. The fine in both situations is intended to support the victim’s recovery and must be paid to her directly.
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
- What is the punishment for gang rape of a girl under 18?
- Can the fine imposed for gang rape be used for the victim’s rehabilitation?
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.