A 24-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department after sexual assault. She survives but remains in a persistent vegetative state. Under BNS 2023, the perpetrator is liable under which section, and the maximum punishment prescribed is:

• A Section 64, imprisonment for ten years
• B Section 70, imprisonment for twenty years
• C Section 65, imprisonment for twenty years
• D Section 66, imprisonment for the remainder of natural life or death ✓

Explanation

BNS Section 66 punishes rape that causes death or leaves the victim in a persistent vegetative state with rigorous imprisonment of not less than twenty years, extendable to imprisonment for the remainder of the offender's natural life, or with death. This replaces IPC Section 376A. Section 65 applies to victims below sixteen and below eighteen years of age, and Section 70 to gang rape, neither of which fits this scenario.

Reference: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Chapter V ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.