A 30-year-old woman is examined by a doctor after alleged rape. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, which replaced CrPC, mandates that medical examination of a rape victim must be conducted within how many hours of reporting the offence, and by whom?
- A Within 6 hours; by any registered medical practitioner
- B Within 24 hours; by a female registered medical practitioner if available, otherwise any RMP ✓
- C Within 24 hours; by a female doctor only
- D Within 48 hours; by a government hospital doctor
Explanation
Under BNSS 2023 Section 184 (corresponding to former CrPC Section 164A), the medical examination of a rape victim must be conducted within 24 hours of reporting. The examination should be performed by a registered medical practitioner employed in a government or local authority hospital; if a female examiner is available she should conduct the examination, otherwise any registered medical practitioner may proceed. The examination cannot be refused even without police request, and prior consent of the victim is mandatory. Examination findings must be recorded in the prescribed form and submitted to the investigating officer promptly.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.