BNS Section 66 - Punishment For Causing Death Or Resulting In Persistent Vegetative State Of Victim

BNS Section 66 specifically addresses the punishment when a husband causes the death or leaves his wife in a persistent vegetative state while committing certain sexual offenses defined under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. This section is important as it highlights the law's strict stance on protecting women’s bodily autonomy and preventing grievous harm caused by the husband during the course of such offenses. BNS Section 66 serves as the successor to IPC Section 376A, reflecting updated provisions that provide clearer and harsher penalties within the new legal framework concerning offenses against one’s own wife.

We will cover in this blog:

• Meaning and Scope of BNS Section 66
• Simplified Explanation of the Provision
• Punishments Prescribed Under BNS Section 66
• Difference Between IPC Section 376A and BNS Section 66
• Practical Examples for Better Understanding
• Key Improvements Introduced in the New Law
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on BNS Section 66

Simplified Explanation of BNS Section 66

Under this section, if a husband commits an offense punishable under Section 64 (which covers various sexual offenses) and in the process causes physical injury that either results in the death of his wife or leaves her in a persistent vegetative state, he faces severe punishment. The law mandates a minimum rigorous imprisonment of 20 years, which can extend to life imprisonment (for the remainder of his natural life) or even the death penalty in the gravest cases. The “persistent vegetative state” means the wife remains permanently unconscious and unable to function, highlighting that irreversible harm short of death is equally punishable.

Legal Classification & Procedural Details under BNS Section 66

Practical Examples Illustrating BNS Section 66:

• A husband forcibly commits a sexual offense on his separated wife, causing injuries that lead to her death. Under Section 66, he faces imprisonment of at least 20 years, life imprisonment, or the death penalty.
• In another instance, the husband's actions during the commission of a sexual offense leave the wife permanently unconscious in a vegetative state, making him liable for similar severe punishment.

Key Improvements and Changes: IPC 376A to BNS 66:

• The scope has been sharpened to explicitly reference harm caused to the wife, affirming protections within the marital context.
• The definition of harm includes both death and a persistent vegetative state, expanding the recognized outcomes worthy of punishment.
• The punishment structure is reinforced, emphasizing victim-centric justice with a minimum 20-year sentence and potential capital punishment.
• These changes strengthen victim rights under a modern legal codification, reflecting societal calls for better protection of women, including within marriage.