BNS 66 : Punishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim

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Introduction of BNS 66

BNS 66 deals with the punishment for causing death or leaving the victim in a persistent vegetative state during the commission of an offense, particularly under sections related to sexual violence. This section ensures that those who commit such heinous acts face severe consequences, reflecting the law’s commitment to protecting human dignity and life.

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The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 66 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 376A .

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What is section 66 of BNS ?

Section 66 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) prescribes harsh punishments for individuals who, during the commission of an offense, cause the death of a woman or leave her in a persistent vegetative state. The section mandates rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of 20 years, which may extend to life imprisonment or even the death penalty, underscoring the seriousness of such crimes.

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BNS Section 66 in Simple Points

BNSS Section 66 deals with extreme cases where an offender, while committing a crime (such as rape or violent assault), causes the death of the victim or leaves her in a persistent vegetative state. The law prescribes the harshest punishments to ensure justice and deterrence.

1. Severe Punishment for Serious Harm

If a crime results in the victim’s death or leaves her in a permanent vegetative state, the offender faces the strictest penalties under the law.

2. Minimum Imprisonment

The offender must serve at least 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, ensuring no light sentence is possible.

3. Life Imprisonment or Death

Depending on the severity, the punishment may extend to life imprisonment for the rest of natural life or even the death penalty.

4. Non-Bailable Offense

This offence is non-bailable, meaning the accused cannot easily get bail and will remain in custody during trial.

5. Court of Session Trial

The case is triable by a Sessions Court, which handles the most serious criminal matters and has the authority to impose maximum punishment.

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Section 66 BNS Overview

BNSS Section 66 addresses extreme cases of violence against women, where an assault not only violates her dignity but also destroys her life permanently—either by causing death or leaving her in a persistent vegetative state. This provision ensures that offenders face the harshest punishments in Indian law, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.

BNS 66 : 10 Key Points Explained

1. Protection of Life and Dignity

This section highlights the protection of women’s life and dignity. It recognizes that crimes causing death or permanent vegetative state are not just personal assaults but grave offenses against humanity and society.

2. Minimum Rigorous Imprisonment

The law prescribes a minimum of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for such offenders. This ensures that there is no leniency in sentencing for such heinous acts.

3. Life Imprisonment

The punishment may extend to life imprisonment, meaning the offender could be in prison for the remainder of their natural life. This is reserved for particularly brutal or aggravated cases.

4. Death Penalty

In the most extreme cases, where the crime is shockingly brutal or causes irreparable harm to society’s conscience, the offender may face the death penalty. This provision reflects India’s zero tolerance for the most heinous crimes.

5. Cognizable Offense

The offence is cognizable, which allows police to register FIRs and arrest the accused without a warrant. This ensures swift and decisive action against the offender.

6. Non-Bailable

It is a non-bailable offence, meaning the accused cannot easily secure bail. This prevents them from intimidating the victim’s family or tampering with evidence during trial.

7. Non-Compoundable

The offence is non-compoundable, meaning it cannot be settled privately between the victim’s family and the accused. The case must be prosecuted by the state, ensuring justice is served publicly.

8. Court of Session

Cases under Section 66 are tried in the Sessions Court, which handles the most serious criminal cases. This ensures the case is handled by experienced judges with the power to impose maximum penalties.

9. Focus on Severe Injuries

This section specifically addresses situations where the crime results in death or leaves the victim in a permanent vegetative state. Such injuries are treated on par with homicide due to their devastating and irreversible impact.

10. Human Rights Emphasis

The section emphasizes human rights and dignity, recognizing that crimes of this nature destroy not only the victim’s life but also traumatize families and society. The law sends a strong message that such offences will be met with the harshest punishment possible.

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Section 66 BNS Punishment

Imprisonment: The offender faces rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of 20 years, with the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty in severe cases.

Non-Bailable Offense: The crime is non-bailable, ensuring that the accused remains in custody throughout the trial.

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Section 66 BNS bailable or not ?

BNS Section 66 is non-bailable, meaning the accused cannot be easily released on bail and will generally remain in custody until the trial is completed.

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Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 66

Section	Offense	Punishment	Cognizable or Non-cognizable	Bailable or Non-bailable	Triable by Court
66	Causing death or persistent vegetative state during commission of an offense	Rigorous imprisonment (min. 20 years to life) or death	Cognizable	Non-bailable	Court of Session

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BNS Section 66 FAQs

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