Introduction
IPC 373 acts as a shield for minors (under 18). It stops people from taking control of them (buying, hiring, etc.) with the intention of exploiting them. This could involve forcing them into prostitution, illegal work, or anything harmful. This law discourages crimes that endanger young people.
What is IPC 373 ?
Protecting Children from Exploitation (IPC 373)
IPC 373 is a law that says taking control of a minor (under 18) to hurt them is illegal. This includes:
- Buying or hiring a minor.
- Taking a child away from their family.
The goal is to stop people from forcing minors into bad situations like:
- Prostitution (sex work)
- Illegal activities
- Anything wrong or harmful

Definition of IPC Section 373
IPC 373 makes it illegal to obtain minors (those under 18) with the aim of exploiting them, protecting vulnerable youth. Due to the severity of this offense and the risk it poses to minors, bail is typically not granted to the accused, ensuring they remain in custody during legal proceedings.
Section 373 IPC Explanation
IPC Section 373 is about protecting kids under 18 from bad people who want to make them do bad things. It’s like if someone tries to get hold of a child to use them in a bad way, like for work or other bad stuff. This law says it’s illegal to do that—to buy, hire, or take control of a kid with the intention of using them in any wrong way. Let’s explain each part more simply.
Obtaining Possession: This doesn’t just mean kidnapping! Here are a few ways someone might get control of a minor for bad reasons:
- Buying a Child: Someone might pay money to another person for a child, intending to force them into work or something worse.
- Hiring a Child for Bad Work: Someone might offer a child a job that’s dangerous or illegal, like working in a mine at night.
- Taking a Child Away from Their Family: Someone might trick or pressure a child to leave their family with the intention of hurting or exploiting them.
Minor: The law specifically protects young people who are still developing and need extra care. Here’s the age limit:
- Under 18 Years Old: Anyone below the age of 18 is considered a minor under IPC 373.
Intention to Exploit: Just “having” a minor doesn’t break the law. The key element is the intent behind it. Here’s what the law considers exploitation:
- Prostitution: Forcing or manipulating a minor into sex work. This is a terrible crime that harms the child.
- Unmarried Sex: Depending on the context, sexual activity between unmarried people might be illegal, especially if it involves an adult and a minor.
- Unlawful Purpose: Any activity that breaks the law and could harm the minor. This could include using them for criminal activities like drug trafficking.
- Immoral Purpose: Any activity that society generally considers wrong and harmful to the minor. This could include forcing them to beg or perform in a way that exploits them.
Why is IPC 373 Important?
This law is like a superhero protecting young people! It deters people from controlling or forcing minors into situations that could put them at risk. By making it a crime, IPC 373 helps keep children safe from exploitation.
IPC 373 Punishment

- Imprisonment: Up to six months. This can be thought of as a “time-out” for bad behavior, deterring people from repeating the offense.
- Fine: Up to ₹1,000 (subject to change). This acts as a financial penalty, reminding the offender of the seriousness of the crime.
- Both Imprisonment and Fine: In some cases, the court might decide to impose both jail time and a fine. This depends on the severity of the offense, like the type of adulteration or the potential harm it could cause.
What is mean | Description |
---|---|
Offense | Buying, Hiring, or Taking Possession of Minor for Exploitation |
Definition | This law prohibits obtaining control over a minor (under 18) with the intention of forcing them into unlawful or harmful activities, such as: * Prostitution * Unmarried Sex (depending on context) * Unlawful Purposes (e.g., drug trafficking) * Immoral Purposes (e.g., forced begging) |
Examples | * Buying a child to force them into labor * Hiring a minor for dangerous work at night * Taking a child away from their family to exploit them |
Punishment | * Up to 7 years in jail * Fine * Both jail time and a fine (depending on severity) |
Bailable | No |
373 IPC bailable or not ?
No, IPC 373 is not a bailable offense., making it challenging for someone accused under this law to secure release while awaiting trial. The court views the offense as grave and considers the potential risk of the accused fleeing or causing further harm to minors if granted bail. Therefore, the accused are typically kept in custody until the legal proceedings are completed.
IPC 373 FAQs
What is IPC 373 about?
IPC 373 deals with the illegal act of obtaining minors (those under 18) with the intention of exploiting them for various purposes.
Why is IPC 373 law important?
IPC Section 373 is crucial because it addresses the grave issue of child prostitution. This law prohibits the act of purchasing or hiring individuals under the age of 18 for engaging in prostitution. By penalizing offenders with imprisonment and fines, IPC 373 aims to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and sexual abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Is IPC 373 a bailable offense?
No, IPC 373 is not a bailable offense. This means that individuals accused under this law typically find it difficult to obtain bail while awaiting trial due to the serious nature of the offense and the potential risk it poses to minors.
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