Bill No. 121 of 2023 introduces repeat rape offender punishments

It defines various criminal offenses, sets out the punishments for them, and establishes general exceptions and defenses for individuals accused of crimes.

Who it concerns: The law applies to all individuals, including children (with specific age-based provisions), public servants, members of the armed forces, and candidates in elections. It specifically addresses offenses against women and children, as well as acts committed by or against the State and its institutions.

What the bill does

• Defines punishments including death, imprisonment, fines, and solitary confinement.
• Establishes general exceptions such as acts done by mistake, accident, or in private defense.
• Criminalizes abetment, criminal conspiracy, and attempts to commit offenses.
• Specifies offenses against women and children, including rape, sexual harassment, stalking, and trafficking.
• Defines offenses affecting the human body, such as murder, culpable homicide, and assault.
• Covers offenses against the State, including waging war and endangering sovereignty.
• Regulates offenses related to elections, such as bribery and undue influence.
• Addresses offenses involving coin, currency notes, and government stamps.
• Defines offenses against public tranquility, such as rioting and promoting enmity between groups.
• Specifies offenses by or relating to public servants, such as disobeying law or framing incorrect documents.

Also in the document

• The document is a Bill (Bill No. 121 of 2023) introduced in the Lok Sabha, not yet an enacted Act.
• It includes specific provisions for the punishment of repeat offenders for rape.
• It defines offenses related to organized crime and terrorist acts.
• It includes provisions for the protection of victims' identity in certain sexual offenses.