BNS Section 71 – Punishment for repeat offenders

Amit Kapoor04 mins

Section in IPC – 376-E

Punishment for repeat offenders

Whoever has been previously convicted of an offence punishable under section 63 or section 64 or section 65 or section 66 or section 67 and is subsequently convicted of an offence punishable under any of the said sections shall be punished with imprisonment for life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life, or with death.

Key Points on BNS-71: Repeat Offenders in Serious Sexual Crimes

BNS-71 addresses the issue of repeat offenders of serious sexual crimes, implementing stringent penalties for individuals convicted multiple times for such crimes. The aim is to ensure that those who repeatedly engage in these offenses face harsher consequences.

1. Repeat Offender Clause

  • Application: This section applies to individuals who have already been convicted of crimes listed under sections 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67 and are convicted again for an offense under any of these sections.

2. Punishments for Repeat Offenders

  • Life Imprisonment:
    • If the individual is convicted for a second time for any of these serious offenses, the perpetrator faces life imprisonment, meaning incarceration for the remainder of their natural life.
  • Death Penalty:
    • In certain cases, where the severity of the crime warrants it, the repeat offender may also face the death penalty. This reflects the extreme gravity of their repeated criminal behavior.

3. Sections Referenced

  • Sections 63 to 67 pertain to serious crimes, which include:
    • Section 63: Offenses related to sexual assault.
    • Section 64: Rape and its related crimes.
    • Section 65: Sexual offenses against minors.
    • Section 66: Violent crimes leading to the death or permanent incapacitation of the victim.
    • Section 67: Spousal sexual assault or rape.

4. Purpose of the Provision

  • Deterrence and Justice: The provision aims to ensure that individuals who repeatedly commit serious offenses, especially sexual and violent crimes, face the harshest penalties. By doing so, it acts as a deterrent to further criminal behavior, ensuring that the consequences of repeated offenses are severe and impactful for the perpetrators.
  • Justice for Victims: It emphasizes providing justice for the victims by ensuring that individuals who continue to harm others in such serious ways are punished more severely.

Summary

BNS-71 ensures that repeat offenders of the most serious sexual and violent crimes face harsher consequences. Individuals convicted for a second time under sections 63 to 67 (which include offenses like sexual assault, rape, and crimes against minors) face life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the severity of the crime. This provision aims to deter repeated criminal behavior and deliver justice for victims, reflecting a commitment to addressing persistent offenders in a meaningful and punitive way.

Related News