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Introduction of BNS 71

BNS 71 deals with the punishment for individuals who have been previously convicted of certain serious offenses and commit another offense under the same sections. The law imposes severe penalties to deter repeat offenders and ensure public safety.



What is section 71 of BNS ?

BNS Section 71 is designed to address repeat offenders who have previously been convicted of serious crimes under specific sections and are convicted again. It imposes life imprisonment, meaning imprisonment for the remainder of the person’s natural life, or the death penalty.


Illustration representing the punishment under BNS Section 71 for repeat offenders.
BNS Section 71: Life imprisonment or death penalty for habitual offenders.

BNS Section 71 in Simple Points

If a man has sexual intercourse with a woman by making a false promise of employment, promotion, or other professional benefits, or by misusing his position of authority or influence, such act will be treated as a punishable offence.

Punishment: The offender shall be punished with imprisonment that may extend up to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

(This provision corresponds to IPC Section 376C, but has been restructured and updated under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.)

1. Meaning of Section 71

BNS Section 71 deals with situations where a person in a position of authority or professional influence exploits a woman by making false promises related to employment, promotion, or career opportunities to obtain sexual intercourse.

It recognises that consent obtained under deception or misuse of power is not valid consent.

2. Purpose of Section 71

The purpose of this section is to:

  • Prevent workplace and authority-based exploitation.
  • Protect women from being deceived with fake assurances of career or employment benefits.
  • Ensure that those in positions of power are held legally accountable if they misuse their authority for sexual favors.

3. Essential Ingredients of Section 71

For an act to fall under this section, the following conditions must be satisfied:

  1. Deception or False Promise: The offender must have made a false assurance of employment, promotion, or career benefit.
  2. Position of Authority or Influence: The offender must be in a position where he could influence the victim’s career or future.
  3. Consent under Misrepresentation: The woman’s consent must have been obtained by deception, not freely given.
  4. Sexual Intercourse: There must be proof of sexual intercourse based on such false promises.

4. Punishment under BNS Section 71

  • Imprisonment: Up to 10 years.
  • Fine: In addition to imprisonment, the offender must pay a fine.

This strict punishment reflects the seriousness of exploitation under professional or authoritative capacity.

5. Examples of Section 71 in Action

  • Example 1: A manager falsely promises an employee a promotion if she agrees to sexual relations. This falls under Section 71.
  • Example 2: A job recruiter assures a candidate of employment and deceives her into sexual intercourse. This is punishable under this section.
  • Counter-Example: A consensual relationship between two colleagues without misuse of power or false promises does not attract this section.

6. Importance of Section 71

BNS Section 71 is crucial because it:

  • Protects women from exploitation in workplaces and professional settings.
  • Reinforces that consent obtained through deceit or misuse of authority is not valid consent.
  • Ensures accountability for those in power, preventing the abuse of professional or official positions for personal gratification.

This section strengthens women’s rights and upholds dignity in professional and social environments.


Section 71 BNS Overview

BNS Section 71 deals with the punishment for individuals who have been convicted more than once for specific serious crimes. It imposes strict penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, to prevent repeat offenses and to protect society.

BNS Section 71 Key Points

Focus on Repeat Offenders: This section specifically targets individuals who have been previously convicted of serious crimes and then commit another offense under the same sections. It aims to prevent habitual criminal behavior.

Punishment Severity: The section mandates life imprisonment, meaning imprisonment for the remainder of the person’s natural life, or the death penalty. This severe punishment is intended to serve as a strong deterrent against repeated criminal behavior.

Applicable Sections: BNS Section 71 applies to those who have been convicted under sections 64, 65, 66, or 70 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and are subsequently convicted of another offense under any of these sections.

Cognizable Offense: The crimes under this section are cognizable, meaning that the police can arrest the accused without a warrant, reflecting the seriousness of the offenses covered by this section.

Non-Bailable: Offenses under BNS Section 71 are non-bailable, meaning that the accused does not have the right to be released on bail and must remain in custody during the trial.

Non-Compoundable: The offenses under this section are non-compoundable, which means they cannot be settled outside of court, ensuring that justice is served through the legal process.

Trial by Court of Session: The trial for offenses under this section must be conducted by the Court of Session, which is a higher court, indicating the gravity of the offenses.

Life Imprisonment Explained: Life imprisonment under this section means that the individual will remain in prison for the remainder of their natural life, with no possibility of release.

Death Penalty: The section allows for the death penalty in cases where the repeat offense is particularly egregious, reflecting the ultimate punishment available under the law.

Deterrent Effect: The purpose of this section is to deter individuals from committing repeated offenses by imposing the harshest possible penalties, thereby protecting society from habitual criminals.

Example of BNS Section 71

Imagine a person named Raj has been convicted of a serious crime under BNS Section 64 and served his sentence. After being released, he commits another crime under the same section. Under BNS Section 71, because Raj is a repeat offender, he may be sentenced to life imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on the severity of his crime. This example illustrates how BNS Section 71 works to prevent habitual offenders from causing further harm.


BNS 71 Punishment

Imprisonment for Life: The person may be sentenced to life imprisonment, meaning they will remain in prison for the rest of their life.

Death Penalty: In the most severe cases, the person may be sentenced to death.

BNS Section 71 addressing repeat offenders with life imprisonment or death penalty.
BNS Section 71 provides strict punishment for those who repeatedly commit serious crimes, including life imprisonment or death.

BNS 71 bailable or not ?

BNS Section 71 is a non-bailable offense, meaning that the accused does not have the right to be released on bail and must remain in custody during the trial.


Comparison: BNS Section 71 vs IPC 376E

Comparison: BNS Section 71 vs IPC (Repeat Offenders Punishment)
Section Offence Punishment Bailable / Non-Bailable Cognizable / Non-Cognizable Trial By
BNS Section 71 Punishment for repeat offenders who are convicted again under Sections 64, 65, 66 or 70 of BNS. Life imprisonment for the remainder of natural life or death penalty. Ensures maximum punishment for habitual criminals. Non-Bailable Cognizable Sessions Court
IPC (Old Provisions) Habitual offenders were punished under IPC Sections 75 (general repeat offenders) and 376E (repeat rape offenders). Life imprisonment (often interpreted as 14 years or more with remission) or death penalty in repeat rape cases under Section 376E. Non-Bailable Cognizable Sessions Court

BNS Section 71 FAQs

What does BNS Section 71 address?

What is the punishment under BNS Section 71?

Is BNS Section 2071 a bailable offense?

Who conducts the trial for offenses under BNS Section 71?

What does “life imprisonment” mean under BNS Section 71?

It means imprisonment for the remainder of the person’s natural life.

What sections does BNS Section 71 apply to?


BNS Section 71 ensures that habitual offenders of serious crimes face the strictest legal consequences. By imposing either life imprisonment or the death penalty, the law acts as a deterrent against repeated criminal behavior while ensuring society is protected from dangerous individuals. Its non-bailable, cognizable, and non-compoundable nature reflects the gravity of such crimes and the commitment of the justice system to safeguard public safety.


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Finished with BNS 71 ? Continue exploring the next provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Each section includes explanations, examples, and plain-language breakdowns for easy understanding.

Full IPC Section List: https://marriagesolution.in/ipc-section-list

All Indian Law & Blogs: https://marriagesolution.in/indian-law/

Full BNSS Section List: https://marriagesolution.in/bnss_section-list


BNS Chapter Index

ChapterTitleSections
Chapter IPreliminaryBNS 1 – 3
Chapter IIPunishmentsBNS 4 – 13
Chapter IIIGeneral ExceptionsBNS 14 – 44
Chapter IVAbetment, Criminal Conspiracy And AttemptBNS 45 – 62
Chapter VOffences Against Women And ChildrenBNS 63 – 99
Chapter VIOffences Affecting The Human BodyBNS 100 – 146
Chapter VIIOffences Against The StateBNS 147 – 158
Chapter VIIIOffences Relating To The Army, Navy And Air ForceBNS 159 – 168
Chapter IXOffences Relating To ElectionsBNS 169 – 177
Chapter XOffences Relating To Coin, Currency Notes, Bank Notes, And Government StampsBNS 178 – 188
Chapter XIOffences Against The Public TranquilityBNS 189 – 197
Chapter XIIOffences Against The Public TranquilityBNS 198 – 205
Chapter XIIIContempts Of The Lawful Authority Of Public ServantsBNS 206 – 226
Chapter XIVFalse Evidence And Offences Against Public JusticeBNS 227 – 269
Chapter XVOffences Affecting The Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency And MoralsBNS 270 – 297
Chapter XVIOffences Relating To ReligionBNS 298 – 302
Chapter XVIIOffences Against PropertyBNS 303 – 334
Chapter XVIIIOffences Relating To Documents And To Property MarksBNS 335 – 350
Chapter XIXCriminal Intimidation, Insult, Annoyance, Defamation, Etc.BNS 351 – 357
Chapter XXRepeal And SavingsBNS 358

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