IPC 373 - Buying or obtaining possession of a minor for the same purposes
Description of IPC 373
Description of IPC Section 373
According to section 373 of Indian penal code, Whoever buys, hires or otherwise obtains possession of any person under the age of eighteen years with intent that such person shall at any age be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution or illicit intercourse with any person or for any unlawful and immoral purpose, or knowing it to be likely that such person will at any age be employed or used for any such purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
IPC 373
| Offence | Buying or obtaining possession of a minor for the same purposes |
| Punishment | 10 Years + Fine |
| Cognizance | Cognizable |
| Bail | Non-Bailable |
| Triable | Sessions Court |
Imprisonment for up to 10 years, plus a fine.
IPC 373 in Simple Words
In the Indian Penal Code, anyone who acquires a person under 18 years of age with the intention of using them for prostitution, illicit intercourse, or any unlawful and immoral purpose, can be punished with imprisonment for up to ten years and fined.
Importance and Practical application
Addresses the acquisition of minors for illicit activities.
Practical application:
A man knowingly buys a 16-year-old boy from traffickers, intending to force the child into prostitution. The buyer, in this case, can be prosecuted under Section 373 for buying a minor for an immoral purpose, even if the immoral activity hasn’t yet taken place.Conclusion
Provides penalties for acquiring minors for immoral purposes.