IPC Section 370A — Exploitation of a trafficked person

Summary

A person who knows or has reason to believe that a minor has been trafficked and then uses that minor for any form of sexual exploitation faces a mandatory prison sentence of at least five years, which can go up to seven years, along with a fine. Similarly, a person who knows or has reason to believe that an adult has been trafficked and then uses that adult for any form of sexual exploitation faces a mandatory prison sentence of at least three years, which can go up to five years, along with a fine.

Official Text

Whoever, knowingly or having reason to believe that a minor has been trafficked1, engages such minor for sexual exploitation in any manner, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years, but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Whoever, knowingly by or having reason to believe that a person has been trafficked1, engages such person for sexual exploitation in any manner, shall be punished With rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years, but which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Related Judgments

• SC (2025) Vol.5 p.522 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• S.C.R. 353 BACHPAN BACHAO ANDOLAN v. UNION OF INDIA & OTHERS — Supreme Court of India (2011)
• ... Petitioners vs 1.The Inspector of Police, — Madras High Court ()
• SC (2024) Vol.2 p.111 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
• INDEPENDENT THOUGHT v. UNION OF INDIA & ANR. 835 — Supreme Court of India (2017)
• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.490 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• .. Petitioner vs 1 State rep by the Chair person — Madras High Court (2018)
• ... Petitioners vs The State of Tamil Nadu — Madras High Court (2017)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §144 — Exploitation of a trafficked person