Old law lookup
IPC Section 376D
Gang rape
New section under BNS
BNS Section 70— Gang rape
Effective for any FIR, charge sheet, or filing on or after 1 July 2024. Matters that arose before that date continue under the IPC.
What the new section does
Provides that where a woman is raped by one or more persons acting as a group or in furtherance of a common intention, each person is deemed to have committed rape. Enhanced punishment applies, with a minimum of 20 years to natural life imprisonment and fine; where the victim is under 18, the punishment is natural life imprisonment and fine, or death.
- Punishment
- Sub-section (1) (victim any age): Rigorous imprisonment not less than 20 years, extendable to imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, and fine (paid to victim). Sub-section (2) (victim under 18): Imprisonment for the remainder of natural life and fine (paid to victim), or death.
- Triable by
- Sessions Court
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
For the full text of the new section, see the linked BNS page above. For the binding statutory text, refer to the India Code or the Gazette of India. This reference is informational, not legal advice.