Section Overview
Section Number:
IPC Section 373
Section Title:
Buying Minor for Prostitution, etc.
Act:
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Status:
Replaced under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, with strengthened anti-trafficking and child protection provisions.
Applicability:
IPC Section 373 applies when:
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A person buys, hires, or obtains possession of a minor;
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The purpose is prostitution or illicit sexual intercourse;
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The act is connected to sexual exploitation of a minor.
👉 This section targets the buyers/exploiters in child trafficking networks.
Section Explanation
Simple Explanation (Plain English/Hinglish)
IPC Section 373 ka simple matlab hai ki agar koi person kisi minor ko kharidta hai ya apne control mein leta hai taaki usko prostitution ya sexual exploitation ke liye use kiya jaye, to ye crime hai.
Simple words mein:
"Minor ko prostitution ke liye kharidna IPC Section 373 ka offence hai."
Legal Meaning
A person commits an offence when he:
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Buys, hires, or obtains possession of a minor;
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For the purpose of prostitution or illicit sexual intercourse.
Essential Ingredients
Victim Must Be a Minor
Minor means:
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Male under 18 years OR
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Female under 18 years.
Act of Buying or Obtaining Control
The accused must:
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Purchase; OR
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Hire; OR
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Take possession of a minor.
Purpose of Exploitation
The intention must be:
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Prostitution; OR
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Illicit sexual intercourse; OR
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Sexual exploitation.
Knowledge and Intent
The accused must knowingly engage in the transaction.
Punishment & Legal Classification
Punishment
IPC Section 373 provides:
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Imprisonment up to 10 years; AND
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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 373
BNS Equivalent
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita retains provisions relating to:
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Child trafficking;
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Purchase/sale of minors;
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Sexual exploitation networks;
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Commercial exploitation of children.
Status
Concept retained with strengthened enforcement mechanisms.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Buying from Trafficker
A person pays money to a trafficker to obtain a minor girl for exploitation.
Section 373 applies.
Example 2: Hiring for Brothel
A minor is hired for use in a brothel.
IPC Section 373 applies.
Example 3: Control for Sexual Exploitation
A person obtains custody of a minor to exploit her sexually.
Section 373 applies.
Example 4: Organized Crime Purchase
A criminal network buys minors for illegal sexual activities.
Section 373 applies.
Landmark Judgments
Case Name:
Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Child trafficking networks must be dismantled through strict enforcement of anti-trafficking laws.
Case Name:
Gaurav Jain v. Union of India
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Victims of prostitution and trafficking require rehabilitation and protection.
Case Name:
Budhadev Karmaskar v. State of West Bengal
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Human dignity of trafficking victims must be protected.
Legal Insights
When Is This Section Applied?
Section 373 is applied when:
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Minors are purchased or obtained;
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Sexual exploitation is intended;
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Brothel or trafficking networks operate;
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Demand-side exploitation exists.
Common Misuse Scenarios
No Minor Involved
Adult cases do not fall under Section 373.
No Exploitation Intent
If exploitation purpose is not proven, section may not apply.
Lack of Evidence
Transaction and intent must be proven.
False Allegations
Strong evidence is required due to serious nature of offence.
Defenses Available
No Purchase or Possession
No acquisition of minor occurred.
No Exploitative Intent
No intent for prostitution or illicit intercourse.
Victim Not a Minor
Age requirement not satisfied.
Lack of Evidence
Insufficient proof of transaction or intent.