What punishment does a rapist face if the victim is under 16 years old?

In detail

Section 65 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 says that anyone who rapes a woman who is younger than sixteen must be sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of twenty years, and the term can be extended to life imprisonment, meaning the rest of the offender’s natural life. In addition, the offender must pay a fine that is fair and reasonable to cover the victim’s medical expenses and rehabilitation, and this fine must be given directly to the victim. If the victim is even younger, under twelve, the same minimum and maximum imprisonment applies, but the law also allows the court to impose either a fine or the death penalty, with the same requirement that any fine be just, reasonable, and paid to the victim. These provisions aim to ensure severe punishment for the crime and provide financial support for the victim’s recovery.