BNS Section 93
What punishment does a parent face for abandoning a child under twelve?
Short answer
The parent can be sentenced to up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.
In detail
If a father, mother, or anyone who looks after a child younger than twelve leaves the child somewhere with the clear intention of abandoning it, the law treats this as a serious crime. The offender may be sent to jail for a period that can go as far as seven years, may have to pay a monetary fine, or could receive both punishments together. The provision also makes clear that this rule does not stop the courts from charging the offender with murder or homicide if the child dies as a result of being left alone. In short, deliberately abandoning a young child can lead to a long prison term, a fine, and possibly additional serious criminal charges if the child's life is lost.
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
- Can a relative who has care of a child be punished for abandonment?
- What additional charges apply if the abandoned child dies?
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.