THE CRIMINAL LAW (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2013
[Act No. 13 of 2013]
[2nd April, 2013]
PREAMBLE
An Act further to amend the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
Be it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fourth Year of the Republic of India as follows:–
Chapter I PRELIMINARY
Section 1 – Short title and commencement
(1) This Act may be called the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013.
(2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 3rd day of February, 2013,
Chapter II AMENDMENTS TO THE INDIAN PENAL CODE
Section 2 – Amendment of section 100
In the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) (hereafter in this Chapter referred to as the Penal Code), in section 100, after clause Sixthly, the following clause shall be inserted, namely:– “Seventhly.–An act of throwing or administering acid or an attempt to throw or administer acid which may reasonably cause the apprehension that grievous hurt will otherwise be the consequence of such act.”.
Section 3 – Insertion of new sections 166A and 166B After section 166 of the Penal Code, the following sections shall be inserted, namely:– “166A. Public servant disobeying direction under law.–Whoever, being a public servant,–
(a) knowingly disobeys any direction of the law which prohibits him from requiring the attendance at any place of any person for the purpose of investigation into an offence or any other matter, or
(b) knowingly disobeys, to the prejudice of any person, any other direction of the law regulating the manner in which he shall conduct such investigation, or
(c) fails to record any information given to him under sub-section (1) of section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), in relation to cognizable offence punishable under section 326A, section 326B, section 354, section 354B, section 370, section 370A, section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D, section 376E or section 509, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable to fine.
166B. Punishment for non-treatment of victim.–Whoever, being in charge of a hospital, public or private, whether run by the Central Government, the State Government, local bodies or any other person, contravenes the provisions of section 357C of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both.”.
Section 4 – Amendment of section 228A
In section 228 A of the Penal Code, in sub-section (1), for the words, figures and letters “offence under section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C or section 376D”, the words, figures and letters “offence under section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D or section 376E” shall be substituted.
Section 5 – Insertion of new sections 326A and 326B
After section 326 of the Penal Code, the following sections shall be inserted, namely:–
‘326A. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc.–Whoever causes permanent or partial damage or deformity to, or burns or maims or disfigures or disables, any part or parts of the body of a person or causes grievous hurt by throwing acid on or by administering acid to that person, or by using any other means with the intention of causing or with the knowledge that he is likely to cause such injury or hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and with fine:
Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses of the treatment of the victim;
Provided further that any fine imposed under this section shall be paid to the victim.
326B. Voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid.–Whoever throws or attempts to throw acid on any person or attempts to administer acid to any person, or attempts to use any other means, with the intention of causing permanent or partial damage or deformity or burns or maiming or disfigurement or disability or grievous hurt to that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation 1.–For the purposes of section 326A and this section, “acid” includes any substance which has acidic or corrosive character or burning nature, that is capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars or disfigurement or temporary or permanent disability.
Explanation 2.– For the purposes of section 326A and this section, permanent or partial damage or deformity shall not be required to be irreversible.’.
Section 6 – Amendment of section 354
In section 354 of the Penal Code, for the words “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both”, the words “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine” shall be substituted.
Section 7 – Insertion of new sections 354A, 354B, 354C and 354D After section 354 of the Penal Code, the following sections shall be inserted, namely:–
‘354A. Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment.–
(1) Aman committing any of the following acts–
(i) physical contact and advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures; or
(ii) a demand or request for sexual favours; or
(iii) showing pornography against the will of a woman; or
(iv) making sexually coloured remarks, shall be guilty of the offence of sexual harassment.
(2) Any man who commits the offence specified in clause (i) or clause (ii) or clause (iii) of sub-section (1) shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
(3) Any man who commits the offence specified in clause (iv) of sub-section (1) shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
354B. Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe.–Any man who assaults or uses criminal force to any woman or abets such act with the intention of disrobing or compelling her to be naked, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
354C. Voyeurism.–Any man who watches, or captures the image of a woman engaging in a private act in circumstances where she would usually have the expectation of not being observed either by the perpetrator or by any other person at the behest of the perpetrator or disseminates such image shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year, but which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine, and be punished on a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years, but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation 1.–For the purpose of this section, “private act” includes an act of watching carried out in a place which, in the circumstances, would reasonably be expected to provide privacy and where the victim’s genitals, posterior or breasts are exposed or covered only in underwear; or the victim is using a lavatory; or the victim is doing a sexual act that is not of a kind ordinarily done
in public.
Explanation 2. — Where the victim consents to the capture of the images or any act, but not to their dissemination to third persons and where such image or act is disseminated, such dissemination shall be considered an offence under this section.
354D. Stalking.–
(1) Any man who–
(i) follows a woman and contacts, or attempts to contact such woman to foster personal interaction repeatedly despite a clear indication of disinterest by such woman; or
(ii) monitors the use by a woman of the internet, email or any other form of electronic communication, commits the offence of stalking:
Provided that such conduct shall not amount to stalking if the man who pursued it proves that–
(i) it was pursued for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime and the man accused of stalking had been entrusted with the responsibility of prevention and detection of crime by the State; or
(ii) it was pursued under any law or to comply with any condition or requirement imposed by any person under any law; or
(iii) in the particular circumstances such conduct was reasonable and justified.
(2) Whoever commits the offence of stalking shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine; and be punished on a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.’.
Section 8 – Substitution of new sections 370 and 370A for section 370 For section 370 of the Penal Code, the following sections shall be substituted, namely:–
‘370. Trafficking of person.–
(1) Whoever, for the purpose of exploitation, (a) recruits, (b) transports, (c) harbours, (d) transfers, or (e) receives, a person or persons, by–
First.– using threats, or
Secondly.– using force, or any other form of coercion, or
Thirdly.– by abduction, or
Fourthly.– by practising fraud, or deception, or
Fifthly– by abuse of power, or
Sixthly.– by inducement, including the giving or receiving of payments or benefits, in order to achieve the consent of any person having control over the person recruited, transported, harboured, transferred or received, commits the offence of trafficking.
Explanation 1.–The expression “exploitation” shall include any act of physical exploitation or any form of sexual exploitation, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude, or the forced removal of organs.
Explanation 2.–The consent of the victim is immaterial in determination of the offence of trafficking.
(2) Whoever commits the offence of trafficking shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years, but which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
(3) Where the offence involves the trafficking of more than one person, it shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
(4) Where the offence involves the trafficking of a minor, it shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than ten years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
(5) Where the offence involves the trafficking of more than one minor, it shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than fourteen years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
(6) If a person is convicted of the offence of trafficking of minor on more than one occasion, then such person shall be punished with imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life, and shall also be liable to fine.
(7) When a public servant or a police officer is involved in the trafficking of any person then, such public servant or police officer shall be punished with imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life, and shall also be liable to fine.
370A. Exploitation of a trafficked person.–
(1) Whoever, knowingly or having reason to believe that a minor has been trafficked, engages such minor for sexual exploitation in any manner, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years, but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Whoever, knowingly by or having reason to believe that a person has been trafficked, engages such person for sexual exploitation in any manner, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years, but which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.’.
Section 9 – Substitution of new sections for sections 375, 376, 376A, 376B, 376C and 376D For sections 375, 376, 376A, 376B, 376C and 376D of the Penal Code, the following sections shall be substituted, namely:–
‘375. Rape.–A man is said to commit “rape” if he–
(a) penetrates his penis, to any extent, into the vagina, mouth, urethra or anus of a woman or makes her to do so with him or any other person; or
(b) inserts, to any extent, any object or a part of the body, not being the penis, into the vagina, the urethra or anus of a woman or makes her to do so with him or any other person; or
(c) manipulates any part of the body of a woman so as to cause penetration into the vagina, urethra, anus or any part of body of such woman or makes her to do so with him or any other person; or
(d) applies his mouth to the vagina, anus, urethra of a woman or makes her to do so with him or any other person, under the circumstances falling under any of the following seven descriptions:–
First.–Against her will.
Secondly.–Without her consent.
Thirdly.–With her consent, when her consent has been obtained by putting her or any person in whom she is interested, in fear of death or of hurt,
Fourthly.–With her consent, when the man knows that he is not her husband and that her consent is given because she believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes herself to be lawfully married.
Fifthly.–With her consent when, at the time of giving such consent, by reason of unsoundness of mind or intoxication or the administration by him personally or through another of any stupefying or unwholesome substance, she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of that to which she gives consent.
Sixthly.–With or without her consent, when she is under eighteen years of age.
Seventhly.–When she is unable to communicate consent.
Explanation 1.–For the purposes of this section, “vagina” shall also include labia majora.
Explanation 2.–Consent means an unequivocal voluntary agreement when the woman by words, gestures or any form of verbal or non-verbal communication, communicates willingness to participate in the specific sexual act:
Provided that a woman who does not physically resist to the act of penetration shall not by the reason only of that fact, be regarded as consenting to the sexual activity.
Exception 1.–A medical procedure or intervention shall not constitute rape.
Exception 2.–Sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under fifteen years of age, is not rape.’.
376. Punishment for rape.–
(1) Whoever, except in the cases provided for in sub-section (2), commits rape, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than seven years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Whoever,–
(a) being a police officer, commits rape–
(i) within the limits of the police station to which such police officer is appointed; or
(ii) in the premises of any station house; or
(iii) on a woman in such police officer’s custody or in the custody of a police officer subordinate to such police officer; or
(b) being a public servant, commits rape on a woman in such public servant’s custody or in the custody of a public servant subordinate to such public servant; or
(c) being a member of the armed forces deployed in an area by the Central or a State Government commits rape in such area; or
(d) being on the management or on the staff of a jail, remand home or other place of custody established by or under any law for the time being in force or of a women’s or children’s institution, commits rape on any inmate of such jail, remand home, place or institution; or
(e) being on the management or on the staff of a hospital, commits rape on a woman in that hospital; or
(f) being a relative, guardian or teacher of, or a person in a position of trust or authority towards the woman, commits rape on such woman; or
(g) commits rape during communal or sectarian violence; or
(h) commits rape on a woman knowing her to be pregnant; or
(i) commits rape on a woman when she is under sixteen years of age; or
(j) commits rape, on a woman incapable of giving consent; or
(k) being in a position of control or dominance over a woman, commits rape on such woman; or
(l) commits rape on a woman suffering from mental or physical disability; or
(m) while committing rape causes grievous bodily harm or maims or disfigures or endangers the life of a woman; or
(n) commits rape repeatedly on the same woman,
shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than ten years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.– For the purposes of this sub-section,–
(a) “armed forces” means the naval, military and air forces and includes any member of the Armed Forces constituted under any law for the time being in force, including the paramilitary forces and any auxiliary forces that are under the control of the Central Government or the State Government;
(b) “hospital” means the precincts of the hospital and includes the precincts of any institution for the reception and treatment of persons during convalescence or of persons requiring medical attention or rehabilitation;
(c) “police officer” shall have the same meaning as assigned to the expression “police” under the Police Act, 1861 (5 of 1861);
(d) “women’s or children’s institution” means an institution, whether called an orphanage or a home for neglected women or children or a widow’s home or an institution called by any other name, which is established and maintained for the reception and care of women or children.
376A. Punishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim.–Whoever, commits an offence punishable under sub-section (1) or subsection (2) of section 376 and in the course of such commission inflicts an injury which causes the death of the woman or causes the woman to be in a persistent vegetative state, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life, or with death.
376B. Sexual intercourse by husband upon his wife during separation.–Whoever has sexual intercourse with his own wife, who is living separately, whether under a decree of separation or otherwise, without her consent, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than two years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.–In this section, “sexual intercourse” shall mean any of the acts mentioned in clauses (a) to (d) of section 375.
376C. Sexual intercourse by a person in authority.–Whoever, being–
(a) in a position of authority or in a fiduciary relationship; or
(b) a public servant; or
(c) superintendent or manager of a jail, remand home or other place of custody established by or under any law for the time being in force, or a women’s or children’s institution; or
(d) on the management of a hospital or being on the staff of a hospital, abuses such position or fiduciary relationship to induce or seduce any woman either in his custody or under his charge or present in the premises to have sexual intercourse with him, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years, but which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation 1.–In this section, “sexual intercourse” shall mean any of the acts mentioned in clauses (a) to (d) of section 375.
Explanation 2. –For the purposes of this section, Explanation 1 to section 375 shall also be applicable.
Explanation 3.–“Superintendent”, in relation to a jail, remand home or other place of custody or a women’s or children’s institution, includes a person holding any other office in such jail, remand home, place or institution by virtue of which such person can exercise any authority or control over its inmates.
Explanation 4.–The expressions “hospital” and “women’s or children’s institution” shall respectively have the same meaning as in Explanation to sub-section (2) of section 376.
376D. Gang rape.–Where a woman is raped by one or more persons constituting a group or acting in furtherance of a common intention, each of those persons shall be deemed to have committed the offence of rape and shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life, and with fine:
Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the victim:
Provided further that any fine imposed under this section shall be paid to the victim.
376E. Punishment for repeat offenders.–Whoever has been previously convicted of an offence punishable under section 376 or section 376A or section 376D and is subsequently convicted of an offence punishable under any of the said sections shall be punished with imprisonment for life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life, or with death.’.
Section 10 – Amendment of section 509
In section 509 of the Penal Code, for the words “shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both”, the words “shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and also with fine” shall be substituted.
Chapter III AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, 1973
Section 11 – Amendment of section 26
In the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) (hereafter in this Chapter referred to as the Code of Criminal Procedure), in section 26, in the proviso to clause (a), for the words, figures and letters “offence under section 376 and sections 376A to 376D of the Indian Penal Code” (45 of 1860), the words, figures and letters “offence under section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D or section 376E of the Indian Penal Code” shall be substituted.
Section 12 – Amendment of section 54A
In section 54A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the following provisos shall be inserted, namely:–
“Provided that, if the person identifying the person arrested is mentally or physically disabled, such process of identification shall take place under the supervision of a Judicial Magistrate who shall take appropriate steps to ensure that such person identifies the person arrested using methods that person is comfortable with: Provided further that if the person identifying the person arrested is mentally or physically disabled, the identification process shall be videographed.”. Section 13 – Amendment of section 154
In section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, in sub-section (1), the following provisos shall be inserted, namely:–
“Provided that if the information is given by the woman against whom an offence under section 326A, section 326B, section 354, section 354A, section 354B, section 354C, section 354D, section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D, section 376E or section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) is alleged to have been committed or attempted, then such information shall be recorded, by a woman police officer or any woman officer:
Provided further that–
(a) in the event that the person against whom an offence under section 354, section 354A, section 354B, section 354C, section 354D, section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D, section 376E or section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) is alleged to have been committed or attempted, is temporarily or permanently mentally or physically disabled, then such information shall be recorded by a police officer, at the residence of the person seeking to report such offence or at a convenient place of such person’s choice, in the presence of an interpreter or a special educator, as the case may be;
(b) the recording of such information shall be videographed;
(c) the police officer shall get the statement of the person recorded by a Judicial Magistrate under clause (a) of sub-section (5A) of section 164 as soon as possible.”.
Section 14 – Amendment of section 160
In section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, in sub-section (1), in the proviso, for the words “under the age of fifteen years or woman”, the words “under the age of fifteen years or above the age of sixty-five years or a woman or a mentally or physically disabled person” shall be substituted.
Section 15 – Amendment of section 161
In section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, in sub-section (3), after the proviso, the following proviso shall be inserted, namely:–
“Provided further that the statement of a woman against whom an offence under section 354, section 354A, section 354B, section 354C, section 354D, section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D, section 376E or section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) is alleged to have been committed or attempted shall be recorded, by a woman police officer or any woman officer.”.
Section 16 – Amendment of section 164
In section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, after sub-section (5), the following sub-section shall be inserted, namely:–
“(5A) (a) In cases punishable under section 354, section 354A, section 354B, section 354C, section 354D, sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) of section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D, section 376E or section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) , the Judicial Magistrate shall record the statement of the person against whom such offence has been committed in the manner prescribed in sub-section (5), as soon as the commission of the offence is brought to the notice of the police:
Provided that if the person making the statement is temporarily or permanently mentally or physically disabled, the Magistrate shall take the assistance of an interpreter or a special educator in recording the statement:
Provided further that if the person making the statement is temporarily or permanently mentally or physically disabled, the statement made by the person, with the assistance of an interpreter or a special educator, shall be videographed.
(b) A statement recorded under clause (a) of a person, who is temporarily or permanently mentally or physically disabled, shall be considered a statement in lieu of examination-in-chief, as specified in section 137 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872) such that the maker of the statement can be cross-examined on such statement, without the need for recording the same at the time of trial.”.
Section 17 – Amendment of section 173
In section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, in sub-section (2), in sub-clause (h) of clause
(i), for the words, figures and letter “or 376D of the Indian Penal Code” (45 of 1860), the words, figures and letters” 376D or section 376E of the Indian Penal Code” shall be substituted.
Section 18 – Amendment of section 197
In section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, after sub-section (1), the following Explanation shall be inserted, namely:–
“Explanation.–for the removal of doubts it is hereby declared that no sanction shall be required in case of a public servant accused of any offence alleged to have been committed under section 166A, section 166B, section 354, section 354A, section 354B, section 354C, section 354D, section 370, section 375, section 376, section 376A, section 376C, section 376D or section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).”.
Section 19 – Insertion of new section 198B
After section 198A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the following section shall be inserted, namely:–
“198B. Cognizance of offence.–No Court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under section 376B of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) where the persons are in a marital relationship, except upon prima facie satisfaction of the facts which constitute the offence upon a complaint having been filed or made by the wife against the husband.”.
Section 20 – Amendment of section 273
In section 273 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, before the Explanation, the following proviso shall be inserted, namely:–
“Provided that where the evidence of a woman below the age of eighteen years who is alleged to have been subjected to rape or any other sexual offence, is to be recorded, the court may take appropriate measures to ensure that such woman is not confronted by the accused while at the same time ensuring the right of cross-examination of the accused.”.
Section 21 – Amendment of section 309
In section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, for sub-section (1), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely:–
“(1) In every inquiry or trial the proceedings shall be continued from day-to-day until all the witnesses in attendance have been examined, unless the Court finds the adjournment of the same beyond the following day to be necessary for reasons to be recorded:
Provided that when the inquiry or trial relates to an offence under section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C or section 376D of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), the inquiry or trial shall, as far as possible be completed within a period of two months from the date of filing of the charge sheet.”.
Section 22 – Amendment of section 327
In section 327 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, in sub-section (2), for the words, figures and letter “or section 376D of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)”, the words, figures and letters “section 376D or section 376E of the Indian Penal Code” shall be substituted.
Section 23 – Insertion of new sections 357B and 357C After section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the following sections shall be inserted, namely:–
“357B. Compensation to be in addition to fine under section 326A or section 376D or Indian Penal Code.–The compensation payable by the State Government under section 357A shall be in addition to the payment of fine to the victim under section 326A or section 376D of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
357C. Treatment of victims.–All hospitals, public or private, whether run by the Central Government, the State Government, local bodies or any other person, shall immediately, provide the first-aid or medical treatment, free of cost, to the victims of any offence covered under section 326A, 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D or section
376E of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), and shall immediately inform the police of such incident.”.
Chapter IV AMENDMENTS TO THE INDIAN EVIDENCE ACT, 1872
Section 25 – Insertion of new section 53A
After section 53 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872) (hereafter in this Chapter referred to as the Evidence Act), the following section shall be inserted, namely:– “53A. Evidence of character or previous sexual experience not relevant in certain cases.–In a prosecution for an offence under section 354, section 354A, section 354B, section 354C, section 354D, section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D or section 376E of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) or for attempt to commit any such offence, where the question of consent is in issue, evidence of the character of the victim or of such person’s previous sexual experience with any person shall not be relevant on the issue of such consent or the quality of consent.”. Section 26 – Substitution of new section for section 114A For section 114A of the Evidence Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely:–
‘114A. Presumption as to absence of consent in certain prosecution for rape.–In a prosecution for rape under clause (a), clause (b), clause (c), clause (d), clause (e), clause (f), clause (g), clause (h), clause (i), clause (j), clause (k), clause (l), clause (m) or clause (n) of sub-section (2) of section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), where sexual intercourse by the accused is proved and the question is whether it was without the consent of the woman alleged to have been raped and such woman states in her evidence before the court that she did not consent, the court shall presume that she did not consent.
Explanation.– In this section, “sexual intercourse” shall mean any of the acts mentioned in clauses (a) to (d) of section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).’.
Section 27 – Substitution of new section for section 119
For section 119 of the Evidence Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely:–
“119. Witness unable to communicate verbally.–A witness who is unable to speak may give his evidence in any other manner in which he can make it intelligible, as by writing or by signs; but such writing must be written and the signs made in open Court, evidence so given shall be deemed to be oral evidence:
Provided that if the witness is unable to communicate verbally, the Court shall take the assistance of an interpreter or a special educator in recording the statement, and such statement shall be videographed.”.
Section 28 – Amendment of section 146
In section 146 of the Evidence Act, for the proviso, the following proviso shall be substituted, namely:–
“Provided that in a prosecution for an offence under section 376, section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D or section 376E of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) or for attempt to commit any such offence, where the question of consent is an issue, it shall not be permissible to adduce evidence or to put questions in the cross-examination of the victim as to the general immoral character, or previous sexual experience, of such victim with any person for proving such consent or the quality of consent.”.
Chapter V AMENDMENT TO THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT, 2012
Section 29 – Substitution of new sections for section 42
For section 42 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (32 of 2012), the following sections shall be substituted, namely:–
“42. Alternate punishment.–Where an act or omission constitutes an offence punishable under this Act and also under sections 166A, 354A, 354B, 354C, 354D, 370, 370A, 375, 376, 376A, 376C, 376D, 376E or section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), then, notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, the offender found guilty of such offence shall be liable to punishment under this Act or under the Indian Penal Code as provides for punishment which is greater in degree.
42A. Act not in derogation of any other law.–The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of any other law for the time being in force and, in case of any inconsistency, the provisions of this Act shall have overriding effect on the provisions of any such law to the extent of the inconsistency,”.
Chapter VI MISCELLANEOUS
Section 30 – Repeal and savings
(1) The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance (Ord. 3 of 2013), 2013 is hereby repealed.
(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (1 of 1872), as amended by the said Ordinance, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of those Acts, as amended by this Act.
Main – THE CRIMINAL LAW (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2013
Preamble – THE CRIMINAL LAW (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2013
Chapter I – PRELIMINARY
Section 1 – Short title and commencement
Chapter II – AMENDMENTS TO THE INDIAN PENAL CODE
Section 2 – Amendment of section 100
Section 3 – Insertion of new sections 166A and 166B
Section 4 – Amendment of section 228A
Section 5 – Insertion of new sections 326A and 326B
Section 6 – Amendment of section 354
Section 7 – Insertion of new sections 354A, 354B, 354C and 354D
Section 8 – Substitution of new sections 370 and 370A for section 370
Section 9 – Substitution of new sections for sections 375, 376, 376A, 376B, 376C and 376D
Section 10 – Amendment of section 509
Chapter III – AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, 1973
Section 11 – Amendment of section 26
Section 12 – Amendment of section 54A
Section 13 – Amendment of section 154
Section 14 – Amendment of section 160
Section 15 – Amendment of section 161
Section 16 – Amendment of section 164
Section 17 – Amendment of section 173
Section 18 – Amendment of section 197
Section 19 – Insertion of new section 198B
Section 20 – Amendment of section 273
Section 21 – Amendment of section 309
Section 22 – Amendment of section 327
Section 23 – Insertion of new sections 357B and 357C
Section 24 – Amendment of First Schedule
Chapter IV – AMENDMENTS TO THE INDIAN EVIDENCE ACT, 1872
Section 25 – Insertion of new section 53A
Section 26 – Substitution of new section for section 114A
Section 27 – Substitution of new section for section 119
Section 28 – Amendment of section 146
Chapter V – AMENDMENT TO THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES
ACT, 2012
Section 29 – Substitution of new sections for section 42
Chapter VI – MISCELLANEOUS
Section 30 – Repeal and savings