BNS Prioritizes Women's and Children's Safety with Tough New Laws

The Home Ministry informed Lok Sabha that crimes against women and children have been prioritized in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This new legal framework introduces strict penalties, including death sentences, for serious offences and focuses on human trafficking and exploitation, reflecting a significant shift from the previous Indian Penal Code.

The Home Ministry has announced a groundbreaking shift in addressing crimes against women and children, as highlighted in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), presented to Lok Sabha. For the first time, these offences have been prioritized and consolidated into a dedicated chapter, signifying a decisive move to tackle such crimes with greater rigor.

Responding to a query from BJP MP Anil Baluni during the Question Hour, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, underscored that the BNS introduces severe punishments for offences against women, including up to death sentences. The law now covers crimes like gang rape of minors, false promises of marriage, and identity concealment with stringent penalties.

Further emphasizing the commitment to combat human trafficking, Section 143 of the BNS specifies life imprisonment for trafficking offences, particularly those involving children. Beggary as an exploitation form is also criminalized under this section, with minimum penalties starting at five years, potentially extending to life imprisonment.