Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, the procedure for a medico-legal examination of a victim of rape is governed by:

• A Section 184 BNSS — examination of person arrested by police before magistrate
• B Section 185 BNSS — medical examination of the accused in sexual offences by registered medical practitioner within 24 hours
• C Section 162 BNSS — statement of the victim recorded as part of investigation
• D Section 184 BNSS for the victim and Section 185 BNSS for the accused — both require examination by registered medical practitioner at direction of magistrate or police ✓

Explanation

BNSS 2023 (replacing CrPC 1973) contains Section 184 (corresponding to CrPC 164A) for examination of a rape victim — performed by a registered medical practitioner (female if requested) within 24 hours of complaint, with consent; a written report goes to investigating officer. Section 185 BNSS (corresponding to CrPC 53A) governs examination of the accused in rape cases — directed by the nearest magistrate or police officer, performed by registered medical practitioner, within 24 hours of the arrest. Both sections are essential forensic practice points post-July 2024.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.