IPC 372 vs BNS 372
● Retained in BNSSelling minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.
Section 372 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, criminalizes selling a minor (male or female) for the purpose of prostitution, sexual exploitation, or other immoral purposes. The provision seeks to protect children from sexual exploitation and trafficking, ensuring stringent punishment for offenders.
Key points:
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Applies to minors under 18 years.
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Sale must be with intent for prostitution or sexual exploitation.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 10 years and fine.
For example, if a trafficker sells a 16-year-old girl to exploit her in prostitution, it constitutes an offence under IPC 372. The law emphasizes safeguarding children from sexual abuse and human trafficking, reflecting the commitment to child protection.
Selling minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.
Section 372 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 372. It continues to punish individuals who sell minors for sexual exploitation, prostitution, or other immoral purposes.
Key points:
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Protects all minors under 18 years.
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Punishment remains imprisonment up to 10 years and fine.
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Covers acts involving sale, trafficking, or inducement of minors for sexual purposes.
For instance, anyone selling or trafficking a minor into prostitution falls under BNS 372. This provision reinforces child protection and the legal deterrent against sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors, maintaining the same protective framework as IPC 372.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 372 to BNS BNS 372.