IPC Section 312 — Causing miscarriage

the causing miscarriage, injuries to unborn children, the exposure infants, and the concealment births

Criminal

Summary

If a person intentionally causes a pregnant woman to miscarry, they can be punished with up to three years in prison, a fine, or both, unless the miscarriage was done in good faith to save the woman’s life. If the woman was “quick with child” (meaning the baby had started moving in the womb), the punishment increases to up to seven years in prison, along with a possible fine.

Official Text

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.

Related Judgments

  • SC (2024) Vol.12 p.1533 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • ... Petitioner vs The State of Tamil Nadu, — Madras High Court ()
  • DR. JACOB GEORGE v. STATE OF KERALA APRIL 13, 1994 B — Supreme Court of India (1994)
  • SURENDRA CHAUHAN v. STATE OF M.P — Supreme Court of India (2000)
  • RAJESHWARI v. PURAN INDORIA — Supreme Court of India (S)
  • SABHAJEET MAURYA v. STATE NCT OF DELHI — High Court of Delhi (2020)
  • ANIYAN KUNJU v. STATE OF KERALA — Supreme Court of India (2004)
  • S.C.R. 979 HAZARA SINGH v. RAJ KUMAR AND ORS — Supreme Court of India (2013)

Old <-> New Code Mapping