BNS Section 96
What punishment does the law prescribe for inducing a child to be forced or seduced into sexual activity?
Short answer
The offender can be sentenced to up to ten years in prison and also be fined.
In detail
Under Section 96 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, anyone who, by any means, encourages or lures a child to leave a place or to perform any act with the purpose of, or with knowledge that it is likely, the child will be forced or seduced into illicit sexual intercourse is committing a criminal offence. The law treats both the intention to cause the abuse and the awareness that abuse is likely as equally culpable. The prescribed punishment is imprisonment for a term that may extend to ten years, and the court may also impose a monetary fine. This provision aims to protect children from being manipulated or taken to situations where they could be sexually exploited, ensuring that those who facilitate such abuse face serious legal consequences.
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.