Section 141 of BNS 2023: Penalties for Importing Minors for Illicit Intercourse
Overview
Section 141 of BNS 2023 addresses the offense of importing minors into India with the intent or knowledge that they will be forced or seduced into illicit intercourse. This section imposes severe penalties to deter such exploitation and protect minors.
Punishment
Under Section 141, the punishment for importing minors for illicit intercourse includes:
- Imprisonment for up to ten years
- Fine
Key Elements
- Importing Minors: The act of bringing any girl under 21 years or any boy under 18 years into India from another country.
- Intent or Knowledge: The intent that the minor may be, or the knowledge that the minor is likely to be, forced or seduced into illicit intercourse.
- Age Criteria: The girl must be under 21 years of age, and the boy must be under 18 years of age.
Examples
- Importing for Exploitation: A person brings a 17-year-old boy from another country to India, intending to force him into prostitution. This act is punishable under Section 141.
- Knowing Exploitation: A person imports a 20-year-old girl into India, knowing she will be seduced into illicit intercourse. This is also covered by this section.
- Attempt to Protect: Authorities intercept a trafficker attempting to bring a minor into India for exploitation, and the trafficker is prosecuted under Section 141.
Historical Context
The protection of minors from exploitation, particularly sexual exploitation, has been a critical concern in legal systems. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) provided initial measures to combat such offenses, which BNS 2023 enhances to address contemporary challenges related to human trafficking and exploitation.
Legislative Intent
The legislative intent behind Section 141 of BNS 2023 is to provide stringent penalties for importing minors for the purpose of illicit intercourse. By imposing severe punishments, the law aims to deter such trafficking and exploitation, ensuring the safety and dignity of minors.
Conclusion
Section 141 of BNS 2023 is crucial for protecting minors from being imported into India for exploitation. By outlining clear penalties, it ensures that individuals involved in such trafficking face severe consequences, promoting a safer and more just society.