Strengthening Survivors: Transforming Rape Laws

Abstract 

This article examines the urgent need to reform sexual assault laws in India to offer  stronger protection, faster justice, and better support systems for survivors. It highlights  gaps in the current legal structure and proposes practical measures to address systemic  barriers that prevent victims from obtaining justice. 

Introduction 

Sexual assault is any sexual act carried out without consent. This includes situations  involving force, fear, manipulation, or when the victim is unable to consent due to  unconsciousness, incapacity, or age. It is not limited to physical misconduct but  represents a severe violation of dignity and bodily autonomy. Across India, rising cases  reflect the need for stronger legal responses and survivor‑centric support mechanisms. 

Historical Development of Sexual Assault Laws in India 

1. Pre‑2013 Legal Structure (IPC) 

Before 2013, Section 375 of the IPC offered a narrow definition of rape. Key  shortcomings included: 

• A restrictive definition of sexual assault 
• Little recognition of diverse forms of sexual violence 
• Weak sentencing provisions 
• Frequent refusal by police to register FIRs

2. The Nirbhaya Case (2012) 

The Delhi gang‑rape case triggered unprecedented national outrage. The Justice Verma  Committee recommended sweeping reforms, setting the stage for legislative changes. 

3. Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 

Major reforms included: 

• A broader and clearer definition of rape 
• Mandatory FIR registration 
• Introduction of new offences (such as stalking and voyeurism) 
• Harsher punishments 
• Faster trial procedures 

4. Post‑2013 Reforms 

In 2018, the law was introduced: 

• Death penalty for rape of minors under 12 
• Strict investigation timelines 

Despite reforms, survivor‑friendly implementation has lagged behind. Legal Structure Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 

1. Definition of Sexual Assault – Section 63

The BNS defines sexual assault to include: 

• Penetration by sexual organ, object, or body part 
• Any sexual act without consent 
• Acts induced by fear, coercion, or deception 

Consent is clearly defined as a voluntary and explicit agreement. 

2. Punishment for Sexual Assault – Section 64 

• Minimum imprisonment of 10 years, extendable to life. 

3. Sexual Assault Causing Death or Permanent Harm – Section 65 • Punishment ranges from 20 years to life, including the possibility of death penalty. 
4. Group Sexual Assault – Section 70 

• A minimum sentence of 20 years. 

5. Assault by Persons in Authority – Sections 66–69 

This covers: 

• Police officers 
• Government staff 
• Correctional home employees 
• Medical practitioners

Punishment: Life imprisonment. 

6. Spousal Sexual Assault 

The BNS retains the marital rape exemption for spouses above 18, although several  constitutional challenges are pending. 

7. FIR Registration Under BNS + BNSS 

• FIR is compulsory for serious offences. 
• Zero FIR continues. 
• FIR must be recorded in the survivor’s language. 
• Women officers must handle cases involving female survivors. 

8. Investigation Requirements 

• Investigation must be completed within 60 days. 
• Medical examination must be completed within 24 hours. 

9. Survivor‑Centric Provisions 

• Privacy protections during trial 
• In‑camera proceedings 
• Free medical care 
• Financial compensation under government schemes

Key Judicial Decisions 

• Lalita Kumari v. State of U.P. — Mandatory FIR registration. 
• Mukesh & Anr. v. NCT Delhi — Upheld death penalty in the Nirbhaya case. • State of Punjab v. Gurmit Singh — Directed courts to avoid victim‑blaming. 
• Bodhisattwa Gautam v. Subhra Chakraborty — Recognized survivor’s right to interim  compensation. 
• Independent Thought v. Union of India — Partially diluted marital rape immunity for  minors. 

Critical Evaluation — Does the BNS Improve Protection? 

Strengths: 

• Clearer definitions reduce ambiguity. 
• Stricter punishments may deter offenders. 
• Mandatory FIR registration and quicker investigations improve access to justice. • Provisions addressing custodial rape ensure accountability. 
• Survivor‑sensitive procedures enhance dignity and support. 

Weaknesses: 

• Marital rape remains uncriminalized for adult spouses. 
• Police apathy still obstructs FIR registration.
• Forensic infrastructure is inadequate. 
• Social stigma discourages survivors from pursuing justice. 
• Conviction rates remain low. 
• Prevention and rehabilitation measures are limited. 

Emerging Issues 

• Active Supreme Court challenges to the marital rape exception. 
• Expansion of One‑Stop Centres across states. 
• Advocacy groups demand a clear survivors’ rights charter. 
• Concerns that some BNS provisions still carry colonial remnants. 

Growing concerns also include crimes committed by minors influenced by online  exposure. For instance, an 11‑year‑old boy in Saharanpur allegedly assaulted a 4‑year‑old  girl, reflecting the urgency of preventive interventions. 

Recommendations

• Criminalize marital rape to  way Fo uphold bodily autonomy. 

• Establish survivor‑friendly police units nationwide. 
• Ensure gender‑sensitivity training for police and medical staff. 
• Strengthen forensic labs for faster reports. 
• Provide long‑term psychological assistance. 
• Strengthen witness protection.
• Expand awareness programs in rural India. 
• Use digital systems to monitor investigation progress. 
• Implement swift and unbiased responses. 

These numbers represent only the reported cases. Actual incidents may be much higher  due to under-reporting. 

Conclusion 

Reforming India’s sexual assault laws is not merely a legislative task—it is a  commitment to justice, dignity, and safety for every survivor. While the BNS provides  much‑needed clarity and structure, meaningful change will be visible only when  survivors feel safe to report crimes and institutions respond quickly, compassionately,  and without prejudice.

References 

1. Social impact evaluation based on modern legal research. 2. Indian Penal Code, 1860, §375. 
2. Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013. 
3. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, §63. 
4. BNS, 2023, sec 64–70. 
5. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. 
6. Lalita Kumari v. State of U.P., (2014) 2 SCC 1 (India). 
7. Bodhisattwa Gautam v. Subhra Chakraborty, (1996) 1 SCC 490 (India). 9. Critical assessment of BNS procedural changes. 
8. Policy suggestions aligned with survivor-focused justice. 11. Times of India’s news articles 
9. Conclusion highlighting moral and legal obligations