Whoever, by any means whatsoever, induces any minor girl under the age of eighteen years to go from any place or to do any act with intent that such girl may be, or knowing that it is likely that she will be, forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
IPC Section 366A: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 366A of the Indian Penal Code deals with the offence of “procuration of a minor girl.” This section specifically addresses situations where an individual procures a minor girl (under the age of eighteen years) from one place to another with the intent that she may be forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person. This law aims to protect minor girls from being exploited and trafficked for sexual purposes.
Key elements of this section include:
- Procurement of Minor Girl: The person must procure or take or cause to be taken any minor girl under the age of eighteen.
- Intent: The act must be carried out with the intent that the minor girl shall be forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person.
- Movement: Involves moving the girl from one place to another, which can be within or across borders.
Is IPC Section 366A Bailable?
IPC Section 366A is a non-bailable offence. Due to the serious nature of the offence, which involves the potential exploitation and sexual abuse of minor girls, the accused must appear before a court to seek bail.
IPC Section 366A Punishment
The Punishment under IPC Section 366A for the procuration of a minor girl includes:
- Imprisonment: Rigorous imprisonment for a term that may extend to ten years.
- Fine: The individual is also liable to a fine.
The severity of the Punishment reflects the critical importance of protecting minor girls from sexual exploitation and abuse.
Example of IPC Section 366A
A real-life example of IPC Section 366A involved a case where a man lured a sixteen-year-old girl away from her village with promises of employment in a city. Instead, he planned to sell her into a brothel where she would be forced into prostitution. The police, acting on a tip-off, intercepted the man and rescued the girl before she could be harmed. The man was charged under IPC Section 366A, and the court found him guilty, sentencing him to rigorous imprisonment and imposing a fine. This case highlighted the legal protections against the exploitation of minor girls and the consequences for those who attempt to traffic them for sexual purposes.
In another instance, a woman was found to be part of a trafficking ring that deceived several minor girls by promising them jobs as domestic helpers in urban areas. However, the real intention was to force them into illicit activities. The authorities managed to dismantle the ring, and the woman, along with her accomplices, was charged under IPC Section 366A. The court’s decision emphasised the stringent legal measures in place to combat the trafficking and exploitation of minors.
