70. (1) Where a woman is raped by one or more persons constituting a group or acting in furtherance of a common intention, each of those persons shall be deemed to have committed the offence of rape and shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, and with fine: Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the victim: Provided further that any fine imposed under this sub-section shall be paid to the victim. (2) Where a woman under eighteen years of age is raped by one or more persons constituting a group or acting in furtherance of a common intention, each of those persons shall be deemed to have committed the offence of rape and shall be punished with imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, and with fine, or with death: Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the victim: Provided further that any fine imposed under this sub-section shall be paid to the victim.
BNS Section 70: Gang rape
Section 70 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 deals with gang rape. It replaces IPC 376D, IPC 376DA, IPC 376DB of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Under the BNSS First Schedule, it depends on the sub-section: 70(1) is cognizable and non-bailable; 70(2) is cognizable and non-bailable.
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Bail, cognizability and punishment
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70(1) | Gang rape. | Rigorous imprisonment for not less than 20 years but which may extend to imprisonment for life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life and fine. | Cognizable | Non-bailable | Court of Session |
| 70(2) | Gang rape on a woman under eighteen years of age. | Imprisonment for life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life and with fine or with death. | Cognizable | Non-bailable | Court of Session |
Source: BNSS, 2023, First Schedule, Part I.
Text of BNS Section 70
IPC sections replaced
- IPC 376D: Gang rape
- IPC 376DA
- IPC 376DB
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