For the Protection of Victimized Women and Children: Support for New Laws

Mumbai : The government is implementing various measures to protect women and children. To ensure the safety of women who are victims of abuse, it is essential that perpetrators fear legal consequences. The Central Government has introduced new laws effective from July 1, 2024, which impose stringent punishments for crimes against women, thereby reinforcing legal protection for women and children.

The Central Government has replaced the Indian Penal Code of 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code of 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 with the Indian Judicial Code of 2023, the Indian Evidence Act of 2023, and the Indian Civil Defense Code Act of 2023. These new laws took effect on July 1, 2024.

A new section has been added to the Indian Penal Code under Article 69 addressing atrocities against women. This new provision includes penalties for men who engage in sexual activity with a woman under false pretenses of marriage, employment, or promotion. With cases emerging where women were asked for sexual favors in exchange for promotions, this section aims to provide speedy justice for such victims. Offenders may face imprisonment for up to ten years and fines to deter workplace crimes against women.

Additionally, under Section 70 (2), in cases of gang rape involving a minor under 18 years of age, all individuals involved will be deemed guilty. Previously punishable by life imprisonment, this offense will now carry the death penalty. Under Section 76, assaulting a woman with the intent to disarm her, or abetting such an act, is punishable by a minimum of 3 years imprisonment, which may extend to 7 years, along with a fine.

Section 77 stipulates that anyone who overhears a woman’s private conversation, observes her private acts, or takes and transmits her photograph without consent, will be liable to imprisonment for a minimum of one year, extendable to three years, and a fine. Repeat offenders may face a minimum sentence of three years, extendable to seven years, with additional fines.

Offenses against children under Section 95 include employing a child to commit a crime. Such offenses are punishable by a minimum of three years imprisonment, extendable to ten years, along with a fine. If a crime is committed, it will be considered as having been perpetrated by the individual who employed the child.

Under Section 99, anyone who takes custody of, employs, or uses a child for unlawful purposes such as prostitution or sexual intercourse will face imprisonment for a minimum of seven years, extendable to fourteen years, along with a fine. These new laws strengthen the protection of women and children by introducing new sections and revising previous provisions related to violence and exploitation.