BNS Section 144
What punishment does the law prescribe for sexually exploiting a trafficked child or adult?
Short answer
The law mandates 5‑10 years’ imprisonment and a fine for a trafficked child, and 3‑7 years’ imprisonment and a fine for a trafficked adult.
In detail
If a person knows, or has reason to believe, that a child has been trafficked and then uses that child for any kind of sexual exploitation, the law requires a strict prison term of at least five years and up to ten years, together with a monetary fine. The same rule applies to an adult who has been trafficked, but the minimum imprisonment is three years and the maximum is seven years, also with a fine. The provision covers any manner of sexual exploitation and is triggered only when the offender is aware, or should be aware, that the victim was trafficked. Both subsections treat the offence as serious, reflecting the need to protect victims of trafficking from further abuse.
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 penalty for trafficking a child under this Act?
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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.