Lok Sabha Question No. 2986 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Crime against Women
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Satish Kumar Gautam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2986

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 19, 1947 (SAKA)

CRIME AGAINST WOMEN

†2986. SHRI SATISH KUMAR GAUTAM:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether strict action against crimes on women and children has been prioritised  under  Bharatiya  Nyaya  Sanhita  (BNS),  2023,  if  so,  the  details thereof; and

(b)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  change  use  of technology in the new justice system and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI BANDI SANJAY KUMAR)

(a): In the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, for the first time, the provisions relating to crime against woman and child have been given precedence and placed under one Chapter. Strict punishments up to death sentence have been provided for the offences against women. Punishment for gang rape of a woman below the age of 18 years is life imprisonment till remainder of the con vict's natural life or death. A new offence for having sexual intercourse on  false  promise  of  marriage,  employment,  promotion  or  by  concealing identity, etc. has also been incorporated in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Main provisions related protection of woman in the new Criminal Laws are given in Annexure.

(b): To significantly improve the speed, efficiency and transparency of the judicial process, provisions have been made in the new criminal laws that all trials, inquiries and proceeding including issuance, service and execution  of  summons  and  warrant,  examination  of  complainant  and witnesses,  recording  of  evidence  in  inquiries  and  trials  and  appellate proceedings or any other proceeding may be held in electronic mode, by use of electronic communication or use of audio-video electronic means. In this regard,  Government  has  also  developed  applications  like  e-Summons,  eSakshya  and  Nyaya-Shruti  (VC).  The  e-Summon  facilitates  delivery  of summons  through  electronic means. The e-Sakshya enables lawful, scientific and tamper-proof collection, preservation and electronic submission  of  digital  evidence  thus  ensuring  authenticity  and  reducing delays. Nyaya-Shruti (VC) facilitates virtual appearance of accused persons, witnesses, police officials,  prosecutors,  scientific  experts,  prisoners  etc. through video conferencing. The implementation of the new criminal laws through these applications by States/UTs contribute to improving the speed, efficiency, and transparency of the judicial process, thereby supporting a more effective, technology-driven, timely and citizen-friendly justice delivery system.

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## Annexure

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2986 FOR 10.03.2026

## PROVISIONS FOR PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

- i. Offences against woman and child have been given precedence over all other offences in a new chapter-V of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- ii. In Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the age differential for minor victims of gang  rape  has  been  done  away  with.  Earlier  different  punishments were prescribed for gang rape on a girl below the age of 16 years and 12 years. This provision has been modified and now gang rape on a woman  below the age of eighteen years is punishable with imprisonment of life or death.
- iii. Women have been recognized as an adult member of family who can receive  summons  on  behalf  of  the  person  summoned.  The  earlier reference to 'some adult male member' has been replaced with 'some adult member'.
- iv. In  order  to  provide  more  protection  to  the  victim  and  enforce transparency  in  investigation  related  to  an  offence  of  rape,  the statement of the victim shall be recorded through audio video means by police.
- v. For certain offences against woman, statement of the victim is to be recorded,  as  far  as  practicable,  by  a  woman  Magistrate  and  in  her absence  a  male  Magistrate  in  the  presence  of  a  woman  to  ensure sensitivity and fairness, creating a supportive environment for victims.
- vi. Medical practitioners are mandated to send the medical report of a victim of rape to the investigating officer within 7 days.

## Annexure L.S.US.Q.NO. 2986 FOR 10.03.2026

- vii. It  is  provided that no male person under the age of fifteen years or above the age of 60 years (65 years earlier) or a woman or a mentally or physically disabled person or a person with acute illness shall be required to attend at any place other than the place in which such male person or woman resides. In cases where such a person is willing to attend the police station, they may be allowed to do so.
- viii. The new laws provide for free first-aid or medical treatment to victims of crimes against women and children at all hospitals. This provision ensures immediate access to essential medical care, prioritizing the well-being and recovery of victims during challenging times.
- ix. The act of hiring, employing or engaging a child to commit an offence, is  made  a  punishable  offence  under  section  95  of  Bharatiya  Nyaya Sanhita 2023, which entails punishment of imprisonment of minimum seven  years,  extendable  to  ten  years.  This  provision  aims  to  deter gangs or groups from employing/hiring children for committing offence.

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