Section Overview
Section Number:
IPC Section 372
Section Title:
Selling Minor for Prostitution, etc.
Act:
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Status:
Replaced under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, with strengthened provisions on child trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Applicability:
IPC Section 372 applies when:
-
A person sells, lets for hire, or otherwise disposes of a minor; AND
-
The purpose is prostitution or illicit sexual intercourse.
👉 The section specifically targets sexual exploitation of minors.
Section Explanation
Simple Explanation (Plain English/Hinglish)
IPC Section 372 ka simple matlab hai ki agar koi person kisi minor ko bechta hai ya kisi ko deta hai taaki uska sexual exploitation ya prostitution ke liye use ho, to ye crime hai.
Simple words mein:
"Minor ko prostitution ya sexual exploitation ke liye bechna IPC Section 372 ka offence hai."
Legal Meaning
A person commits an offence when he:
-
Sells, lets for hire, or otherwise disposes of a minor;
-
With the intention that the minor will be used for prostitution or illicit sexual intercourse.
Essential Ingredients
Victim Must Be a Minor
The victim must be:
-
Male under 18 years OR
-
Female under 18 years.
Act of Disposal
The accused must:
-
Sell; OR
-
Let for hire; OR
-
Transfer control of the minor.
Purpose
The intention must be:
-
Prostitution; OR
-
Illicit sexual intercourse; OR
-
Sexual exploitation.
Knowledge and Intent
The accused must know the purpose of exploitation.
Punishment & Legal Classification
Punishment
IPC Section 372 provides:
-
Imprisonment up to 10 years; AND
-
Fine.
Bailable / Non-Bailable
Non-Bailable.
Cognizable / Non-Cognizable
Cognizable.
Compoundable
Non-Compoundable.
Triable By
Court of Session.
IPC ↔ BNS Mapping
IPC Section
IPC Section 372
BNS Equivalent
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita retains strong provisions relating to:
-
Child trafficking;
-
Sexual exploitation of minors;
-
Commercial sexual exploitation;
-
Sale or purchase of children.
Status:
Concept retained with enhanced child protection framework.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Selling Minor for Prostitution
A person sells a minor girl to a brothel.
Section 372 applies.
Example 2: Renting Minor for Sexual Exploitation
A minor is handed over in exchange for money for illegal sexual use.
IPC Section 372 applies.
Example 3: Trafficking for Brothel Work
A child is transferred to an organized prostitution ring.
Section 372 applies.
Example 4: Forced Sexual Exploitation
A minor is handed over for illicit sexual purposes under coercion or fraud.
Section 372 applies.
Landmark Judgments
Case Name:
Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Child trafficking and exploitation must be strictly prevented and punished.
Case Name:
Gaurav Jain v. Union of India
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Rehabilitation and protection of victims of sexual exploitation is essential.
Case Name:
Budhadev Karmaskar v. State of West Bengal
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Victims of prostitution and trafficking must be protected with dignity.
Legal Insights
When Is This Section Applied?
Section 372 is applied when:
-
Minors are sold or transferred;
-
Sexual exploitation is intended;
-
Brothel-related trafficking occurs;
-
Commercial sexual exploitation is involved.
Common Misuse Scenarios
No Minor Involved
Adult cases do not fall under Section 372.
No Sexual Purpose
If exploitation intent is absent, Section may not apply.
Lack of Evidence
Prosecution must prove intent and transaction.
False Allegations
Strong proof is required due to seriousness of offence.
Defenses Available
No Sale or Transfer
No disposal of minor occurred.
No Exploitation Intent
No intention for prostitution or illicit intercourse.
Victim Not a Minor
Age requirement not satisfied.
Lack of Evidence
Insufficient proof of transaction or intent.