Introduction of Section 52 of BNSS
BNSS Section 52 talks about how a medical examination should be done when a person is arrested for rape or attempted rape. This law gives power to the police to request a doctor to medically examine the accused so that useful evidence, such as DNA or injury marks, can be collected. The aim of this section is to ensure that scientific and medical evidence is properly recorded and used in the investigation, which helps the court to know the truth in rape cases.
- Introduction of Section 52 of BNSS
- What is BNSS Section 52 ?
- BNSS Section of 52 in Simple Points
- Section 52 of BNSS Overview
- 10 Key Points of BNSS Section 52
- 1. Purpose of Medical Examination
- 2. Who Can Do the Examination
- 3. When the Exam is Allowed
- 4. Use of Reasonable Force
- 5. Details in the Medical Report
- 6. Time of Examination Must Be Noted
- 7. Female Accused Not Covered Here
- 8. Where the Report Goes
- 9. Scientific Evidence Included
- 10. Legal Protection for Doctors
- Example
- Section 52 of BNSS Short Information
- BNSS Section 52 FAQs
- If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
What is BNSS Section 52 ?
BNSS Section 52 gives permission to a registered medical doctor to examine the body of an arrested person if they are accused of rape or trying to commit rape. This is allowed when the police believe that checking the person’s body might reveal evidence like injury marks or DNA. The doctor must prepare a detailed report and send it immediately to the police, who then send it to the court (Magistrate).

BNSS Section of 52 in Simple Points
1. Medical Examination of the Accused in Rape Cases:
When someone is arrested for rape or even for trying to commit rape, the police may believe that checking the person’s body can give important evidence. This section allows a registered medical practitioner (a qualified doctor) to carry out this examination legally. This is done to collect proof like injuries, fluids, or DNA that can help in the investigation.
2. Who Can Do the Medical Check and Where:
Ideally, the examination should be done by a doctor working in a government hospital or in a hospital run by a local authority. But if no such doctor is available within a 16-kilometre range of the crime location, then any other registered doctor can do the check. The doctor acts only after the police request and can take help from others if needed.
3. What the Doctor Must Mention in the Report:
The doctor must quickly examine the accused and write a detailed report. This report should include:
- Name and address of the accused and the person who brought him.
- The age of the accused.
- Any visible injuries or marks on the body.
- Samples taken for DNA testing like blood or semen.
- Other necessary and relevant details. This helps the court get a clear picture of the findings.
4. Immediate Reporting and Documentation:
Once the examination is done, the doctor must immediately send the report to the police officer in charge of the case. That officer then forwards it to the Magistrate under Section 193. This report becomes part of the main legal documents used in court.
5. Reasonable Force Can Be Used if Needed:
If the accused does not cooperate, the doctor (with police help) can use only the amount of force necessary to do the medical examination. This ensures the evidence is collected legally while also protecting the rights of the accused from any misuse.
Section 52 of BNSS Overview
BNSS Section 52 is a rule under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that allows the police to request a medical examination of a person who is arrested for rape or attempted rape. This examination is done to collect important evidence from the accused’s body that can help prove whether or not the crime was committed. It helps ensure that the investigation is based on facts and scientific proof.
10 Key Points of BNSS Section 52
1. Purpose of Medical Examination
BNSS Section 52 allows a medical examination of a person arrested for rape or attempted rape. The aim is to collect evidence from the accused’s body that may prove whether or not the crime happened. This includes things like injury marks or DNA samples. The law ensures that medical science supports the investigation. Without this rule, vital proof may be missed. It helps bring fairness to both the victim and the accused. It is a very important part of the investigation process. This section also prevents false accusations by checking facts medically.
2. Who Can Do the Examination
Only a registered medical practitioner is allowed to do this examination. The law gives priority to doctors from government or local authority hospitals. However, if no such doctor is available within 16 kilometers, any other registered doctor can be assigned. This ensures the process isn’t delayed unnecessarily. The doctor must be qualified and recognized under the National Medical Commission Act. This rule ensures both legality and medical expertise. It prevents unqualified people from conducting sensitive examinations. It helps in maintaining trust in the investigation.
3. When the Exam is Allowed
The examination can only be done if police have reasonable grounds to believe that the exam will provide useful evidence. This means it can’t be done randomly or without proper reason. It protects the rights of the arrested person. At the same time, it supports justice for the victim. There must be clear reasons and conditions that make the examination necessary. This balances investigation needs and human dignity. It shows that the law is fair for both sides. This condition avoids misuse of the law.
4. Use of Reasonable Force
The doctor and those helping him can use reasonable force during the examination. But it must be only what is necessary for the medical check. This ensures the examination is completed even if the accused refuses to cooperate. The term “reasonable” is important – force should not turn into abuse. It gives legal support to the doctor to carry out duties properly. It also ensures that the accused doesn’t avoid examination unfairly. However, the rights of the accused are still protected. This maintains a balanced legal approach.
5. Details in the Medical Report
The doctor’s report must include important facts like the name and address of the accused, who brought them, their age, injury marks (if any), and samples collected for DNA testing. It also includes other material information in proper detail. The report must be based on proper observation and medical analysis. This report becomes a part of the case file. It plays a big role in proving or disproving the crime in court. That’s why it must be accurate and detailed. A poor report can weaken the case.
6. Time of Examination Must Be Noted
The doctor must note the exact start and end time of the examination in the report. This helps maintain transparency in the investigation. It shows how long the exam took and helps avoid doubts or confusion. It also helps establish a clear timeline in the case. Courts take note of the time mentioned in such reports. This rule adds credibility to the process. It may also help verify alibis or support other time-based evidence. It ensures every detail is covered correctly.
7. Female Accused Not Covered Here
This section mainly talks about male accused persons. Female examinations are covered under BNSS Section 51. This is because female examinations require extra care, privacy, and must be done by female doctors. So, Section 52 is meant for male accused persons only. This ensures no confusion between different rules. It helps protect the dignity of female accused persons while still supporting proper investigation for male accused. Each section is gender-specific for a reason. It shows that BNSS is thoughtful and fair.
8. Where the Report Goes
After preparing the report, the doctor must send it to the investigating police officer without delay. The police then send it to the Magistrate, as part of the official case documents under Section 193. This chain of documents becomes the foundation of court proceedings. It ensures that the medical evidence becomes part of the legal process. Timely submission is very important. Delay can raise suspicion or cause evidence to lose value. That’s why the law clearly says “without delay.”
9. Scientific Evidence Included
This law supports the use of modern scientific methods, like DNA profiling, which makes the case stronger with solid proof. Doctors are allowed to take blood, swabs, semen samples, and other biological materials. This makes the process more reliable and up-to-date with technology. It gives the court scientific clarity. It reduces the chance of human error. This shows that the legal system values modern science. It strengthens both the investigation and the trial.
10. Legal Protection for Doctors
Doctors and assistants who perform the examination under this section are legally protected. As long as they act in good faith and follow proper procedure, they cannot be punished or blamed. This helps doctors do their duty without fear. It ensures honest professionals can help the law without hesitation. Such protection encourages cooperation between the medical and legal systems. It ensures the focus stays on truth and justice, not fear of legal trouble.
Example
- Example 1:
A man is arrested for allegedly raping a woman. The police take him to a nearby government hospital, and a registered doctor checks his body for injury marks and collects DNA samples. The doctor writes a detailed report and submits it to the police, which becomes part of the legal case. - Example 2:
In a small town, a man is arrested for attempted rape. There’s no government hospital nearby, so a local registered doctor examines him. The doctor finds no injury marks but takes swabs for DNA testing and notes everything in the report. The report is then used as evidence in court.
Section 52 of BNSS Short Information
Key Point | Explanation in Simple Words |
---|---|
1. When Exam is Needed | If someone is arrested for rape or trying to commit rape, a medical exam can be done to collect proof like DNA or injury marks. |
2. Who Can Examine | A government hospital doctor should do the check. If no such doctor is nearby (within 16 km), any registered doctor can do it. |
3. What Should Be in the Report | The doctor must write details like name, age, injury marks, and samples collected (like for DNA test). |
4. Time and Submission | The doctor must mention the start and end time of the exam and send the report immediately to the police, who will give it to the Magistrate. |
5. Use of Force (If Needed) | If the accused resists the exam, the doctor and police can use only the required force to complete the check legally. |
BNSS Section 52 FAQs
BNSS 52
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