Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Section 144

BNS 144: earlier IPC 370A

Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaces Section 370A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. BNS 144 deals with exploitation of a trafficked person. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita came into force on 1 July 2024. Both texts are set out below, side by side, with the changed words marked.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

BNS 144 was IPC 370A.

Exploitation of a trafficked person.

Carried over
95% of the old wording kept
Old · IPC 1860 · Ch. XVI
s. 370A
Exploitation of a trafficked person
(1) Whoever, knowingly or having reason to believe that a minor has been trafficked, engages such minor for sexual exploitation in any manner, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years, but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Whoever, knowingly by or having reason to believe that a person has been trafficked, engages such person for sexual exploitation in any manner, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years, but which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.]
Text from the official India Code PDF
New · BNS 2023 · Ch. VI
s. 144
Exploitation of a trafficked person.
(1) Whoever, knowingly or having reason to believe that a child has been trafficked, engages such child for sexual exploitation in any manner, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years, but which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. (2) Whoever, knowingly or having reason to believe that a person has been trafficked, engages such person for sexual exploitation in any manner, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years, but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Text from India Code
Old classification · CrPC First Schedule, for IPC 370A
Exploitation of a trafficked child.
CognizableCognizable
BailableNon-bailable
PunishmentImprisonment of not less than 5 years but which may extend to 7 years and with fine.
Triable byCourt of Session.
Exploitation of a trafficked person.
CognizableCognizable
BailableNon-bailable
PunishmentImprisonment of not less than 3 years but which may extend to 5 years and with fine.
Triable byCourt of Session.
For an offence under the BNS, check the First Schedule of the BNSS.
Judgments on s. 370A IPCBNS 144 on India Code Source: NCRB section table
Related sectionsIPC 370A · Exploitation of a trafficked person
BNS 143 · Trafficking of person.BNS 145 · Habitual dealing in slaves.

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