A 24-year-old woman married for three years suffers extensive burn injuries and dies. Investigation reveals sustained physical and mental harassment by her husband and in-laws over unmet dowry demands. Under BNS 2023, she is deemed to have been subjected to cruelty soon before her death. Which section and punishment apply?
- A Section 85, imprisonment up to three years with fine
- B Section 80, imprisonment of not less than seven years, extendable to life ✓
- C Section 86, imprisonment of seven years to life
- D Section 103, imprisonment for life or death
Correct answer: B. Section 80, imprisonment of not less than seven years, extendable to life
Explanation
Dowry death, formerly IPC Section 304C, is codified as BNS Section 80. When the death of a woman occurs otherwise than under normal circumstances within seven years of marriage and she was subjected to cruelty or harassment in connection with dowry soon before death, the husband or relative is presumed responsible. The punishment is imprisonment of not less than seven years, which may extend to life imprisonment. Section 85 only punishes cruelty itself, not the resulting death.
Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 34th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.