Sexual Offence
Definition
Offences under BNS 63 to 71 (rape, gang rape, repeat offenders) and POCSO 2012 for victims below 18 years.
- Adult provisions
- BNS Sections 63 to 71
- Covers
- Rape, gang rape, repeat offenders
- Minor provisions
- POCSO 2012 for victims below 18
- Jurisdiction
- Indian criminal law
Common questions
Why are sexual offences against minors handled under a separate statute from BNS?+
POCSO was enacted as a child-specific law with its own definitions, procedures, and protections, such as child-friendly testimony rules, that the general adult-offence provisions in the BNS do not provide.
How does forensic medical examination differ between BNS and POCSO cases?+
The underlying clinical examination techniques are similar, but POCSO cases require additional safeguards around age determination, consent handling, and interview protocols suited to a child witness or victim.
Related terms
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- FAR
- First Accident Report filed by the investigating officer at a road traffic accident scene; FAR plus MFR (Final Form) feed the chargesheet.
- Hit-and-Run
- Causing death by rash and negligent driving and leaving without reporting. BNS 106(2) prescribes up to 10 years imprisonment plus fine where...
- Homicide
- Killing of a human being by another, classified under BNS 100 to 106 as culpable homicide and murder, with exceptions like grave...
- Inquest
- Legal enquiry into the cause and circumstances of a sudden, suspicious or unnatural death. In India conducted by the police under BNSS...
- POCSO 2012
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 (India); establishes criminal liability for child sexual abuse but does not mandate sex-offender...
- Poisoning
- Introduction of a noxious substance into the body causing injury or death. Investigated under BNS hurt and homicide provisions with viscera collection...
- Unnatural Death
- Any death other than from natural disease, including homicide, suicide, accident and death of undetermined manner. Mandatory inquest under BNSS 194.
- Viscera
- The standard set of organs and fluids collected at a suspected poisoning autopsy in India: stomach with contents, a length of upper...
- Zero FIR
- FIR registered at any police station regardless of territorial jurisdiction, then transferred to the station with jurisdiction. BNSS 173(1) proviso codifies the...