Section 66 of BNS 2023: Enhanced Penalties for Aggravated Sexual Offenses Resulting in Death or Persistent Vegetative State

Overview

Section 66 of BNS 2023 addresses aggravated sexual offenses where the commission of rape results in the death of the victim or causes the victim to be in a persistent vegetative state. This section mandates severe penalties to ensure justice for the most grievous offenses.

Punishment

• Minimum Imprisonment: Rigorous imprisonment for not less than twenty years.
• Life Imprisonment: Extendable to life imprisonment, meaning imprisonment for the remainder of the offender’s natural life.
• Death Penalty: The offender may also be sentenced to death.

Key Elements

1. Aggravated Sexual Offenses:
   • This section applies to offenses punishable under sub-sections (1) and (2) of Section 64, which pertain to rape of women under sixteen and twelve years of age respectively.
2. Resulting Injury:
   • The offense results in the death of the woman.
   • The offense causes the woman to be in a persistent vegetative state.

Legislative Intent

The legislative intent behind Section 66 of BNS 2023 is to impose the harshest penalties for the most severe sexual offenses that result in the death or irreversible incapacitation of the victim. By providing for rigorous imprisonment or the death penalty, the law aims to deliver justice and act as a powerful deterrent against such heinous crimes.

Conclusion

Section 66 of BNS 2023 is crucial for addressing the most grievous sexual offenses that lead to the death or severe incapacitation of the victim. By defining stringent penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty, this section ensures that justice is served and potential offenders are deterred.