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IPC

IPC Section 312 - Causing miscarriage

Feature Image for the blog - IPC Section 312 - Causing miscarriage

Whoever voluntarily causes a woman with child to miscarry, shall if such miscarriage be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both; and, if the woman be quick with child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

IPC Section 312: Explained In Simple Terms

IPC Section 312 deals with causing a miscarriage, or the termination of a pregnancy. It is a punishable offense if done without the woman's consent or even with her consent, unless it is carried out in good faith to save her life.

  • Without Consent: If someone causes a miscarriage without the woman’s permission, they can face up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine.
  • With Consent: If the woman agrees to the miscarriage, but it’s not done for valid medical reasons, the punishment is lighter—up to 3 years of imprisonment, plus a fine.

Miscarriages done with the intention of saving the woman’s life are not punishable under this section

Key Details Of IPC Section 312

Offense Causing miscarriage
Punishment

Without consent Imprisonment up to 7 years or a fine or both

with consent imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine

Cognizance Non-Cognizable
Bail Bailable
Triable By Magistrate of the first class
Compoundable Offenses Nature Compoundable with the permission of the court

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