Introduction
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is a comprehensive set of laws that define various criminal offenses and their respective punishments. Section 313 of the IPC deals with a specific offense related to causing miscarriage without a woman’s consent.
- Introduction
- IPC Section 313
- What is IPC Section 313?
- IPC 313 Section
- Key Point of IPC Section 313
- 313 IPC Punishments
- What is Importance of IPC 313 ?
- What is Difference between IPC Section 312 vs IPC Section 313?
- IPC 313 Bailable or not ?
- IPC 313 FAQs
- If you require assistance with court or any other Cases.
- Women Helpline: Centre Government
IPC Section 313

What is IPC Section 313?
“The Unwanted Termination of Pregnancy”
- IPC 313 criminalizes the act of causing miscarriage to a woman without her consent.
- It applies to anyone who intentionally causes a woman to miscarry, whether through physical force, drugs, or other means.
- The offense is considered grave as it violates a woman’s bodily autonomy and right to make decisions about her own pregnancy.

IPC 313 Section
IPC Section 313 focuses on the offense of causing miscarriage without the woman’s consent, emphasizing the critical factor of the absence of consent. This provision is distinct from Section 312, reflecting a more serious offense by recognizing the violation of a woman’s agreement. It underscores the significance of a woman’s autonomy over her reproductive choices and seeks to deter actions that infringe upon this right. By imposing stringent penalties, including life imprisonment, the section aims to protect women from forced miscarriages and ensures accountability for those responsible. The emphasis on consent distinguishes Section 313, highlighting the legal recognition of a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.
Key Point of IPC Section 313
Voluntary Act:
This element emphasizes that the act leading to miscarriage must be intentional and voluntary. In other words, the person responsible for causing the miscarriage must have done so with a deliberate and conscious decision.
Pregnancy:
For Section 313 to be applicable, the woman involved must be confirmed as pregnant at the time the act leading to miscarriage takes place. This ensures that the legal provision specifically addresses situations involving the termination of a pregnancy.
Miscarriage:
The provision explicitly requires that the act must result in the woman miscarrying. This highlights the direct connection between the perpetrator’s actions and the actual occurrence of miscarriage, making it a crucial factor in determining guilt.
Lack of Consent:
The cornerstone of Section 313 lies in the woman’s lack of consent. Unlike Section 312, which doesn’t require consent, this section explicitly focuses on situations where the woman has not given her approval for the actions leading to miscarriage.
313 IPC Punishments
The severity of the punishments under Section 313 underscores society’s commitment to protecting women’s reproductive autonomy.
- Imprisonment for Life: This is the maximum punishment and signifies the gravity of the offense. It is a clear statement about the societal stance on the intentional causing of miscarriage without the woman’s consent.
- Imprisonment for a Term Up to Ten Years: The flexibility in sentencing allows for consideration of the specific circumstances surrounding each case. This ensures a fair and just legal process.
- Fine: In addition to imprisonment, the perpetrator may also be liable to pay a fine. This adds a financial consequence to the legal penalties, further emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.

What is Importance of IPC 313 ?
Section 313 is crucial in recognizing and safeguarding a woman’s right to bodily autonomy. By criminalizing forced miscarriage without consent, it serves as a deterrent against such acts. It also ensures that those who violate these rights are held accountable for their actions, promoting a legal and ethical framework that values and protects reproductive freedom
What is Difference between IPC Section 312 vs IPC Section 313?
What is Difference between IPC Section 312 vs IPC Section 313?
Aspect | IPC Section 312 | IPC Section 313 |
Offense Focus | Causing miscarriage (broad offense) | Causing miscarriage without woman’s consent (specific) |
Consent Requirement | Does not specifically require consent. | Requires the absence of the woman’s consent. |
Key Elements | – Voluntary act – Pregnancy – Miscarriage | – Voluntary act – Pregnancy – Miscarriage – Lack of consent |
Punishments | – Imprisonment for up to three years, or fine, or both | – Imprisonment for life (maximum) – Imprisonment for a term up to ten years (minimum) – Fine possible |
Severity of Punishment | Less severe compared to Section 313 | Significantly more severe, reflecting gravity of the offense. |
Exceptions | – Self-induced miscarriage – Medical practitioner acting in good faith | Similar exceptions apply, including self-induced miscarriage and medical practitioner acting in good faith. |
Importance | Addresses causing miscarriage broadly. | Focuses on protecting women from forced miscarriage without consent, recognizing the importance of consent. |
IPC 313 Bailable or not ?
- The offense under IPC 313 is considered non-bailable.
- This means that the accused person cannot claim the right to be released on bail as a matter of course.
- The decision to grant bail lies with the discretion of the court, considering the circumstances and evidence of the case.
IPC 313 FAQs
What is IPC 313?
IPC 313 is a section of the Indian Penal Code that deals with the offense of causing miscarriage to a woman without her consent. It criminalizes the act of intentionally terminating a woman’s pregnancy through physical force, drugs, or other means, without her agreement.
Why is IPC 313 important?
IPC 313 is significant because it protects a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body and pregnancy. It safeguards her bodily autonomy and upholds her consent as a fundamental requirement for any medical intervention related to her pregnancy.
Who can be held liable under IPC 313?
Anyone who intentionally causes a woman to miscarry without her consent can be held liable under IPC 313. This includes individuals who use physical force, administer drugs, or employ other means to terminate a woman’s pregnancy against her will.
What is the punishment for violating IPC 313?
The punishment for causing miscarriage without a woman’s consent under IPC 313 can be imprisonment up to 7 years and a fine. If the offense leads to the death of the woman, the punishment can be more severe, including imprisonment for life.
Is the offense under IPC 313 bailable or non-bailable
The offense under IPC 313 is considered non-bailable. This means that the accused person cannot claim the right to be released on bail as a matter of course. The decision to grant bail lies with the discretion of the court, considering the circumstances and evidence of the case.
If you require assistance with court or any other Cases.
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Women Helpline: Centre Government
https://www.ncwwomenhelpline.in This official website provides valuable information and resources related to labour laws, policies, and initiatives in India. Visitors can access a wide range of information