Section 66 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Severe Punishment for Rape Leading to Death or Persistent Vegetative State

Introduction

The grave repercussions of sexual assault that end in the victim’s death or leave her in a chronic vegetative condition are addressed in Section 66 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which was enacted in 2023. Due to the fact that this law ensures that those responsible for such horrific crimes are subjected to the most severe punishments, it highlights the seriousness with which the Indian legal system considers such crimes.

Having an understanding of Section 66

According to Section 66, if a person commits an offense that is punishable under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) of Section 64, which pertains to rape, and during the commission of this offense causes the death of the woman or leaves her in a persistent vegetative state, the offender shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than twenty years, which may extend to life imprisonment (which means imprisonment for the remainder of the person’s natural life), or with death. Otherwise, the offender shall be sentenced to death.

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Exemplifications of Possible Outcomes

Examples 1 and 2: Harassment of a lady is committed by an intruder who enters her home against her will. He inflicts significant injuries on her during the assault, which ultimately result in her passing away. In accordance with Section 66, the offender is subject to a minimum sentence of twenty years in prison, with the potential of life imprisonment or the death penalty, based on the evaluation of the court.

One more example: In a another instance, a lady is subjected to a vicious attack and rape, which ultimately leads to traumatic brain injuries that leave her in a vegetative condition for an extended period of time. In this particular case, the perpetrator would be subject to the same severe consequences that are described in Section 66.

In the context of the law, the significance of

The incorporation of Section 66 into the BNS demonstrates a dedication to providing justice in the most serious instances of sexual violence. With the intention of discouraging such offenses and highlighting the sanctity of human life and dignity, the law prescribes severe punishments, such as life imprisonment and the death sentence, among other severe punishments.