IPC Section 373 — Buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.

kidnapping, abduction, slavery and forced labour

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 10 years and fine

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine”

Summary

Whoever buys, hires, or gets control of a person under 18 years old, intending that the person will eventually be used for prostitution, illegal sexual activity, or any unlawful or immoral purpose—or knowing that this is likely to happen—can be imprisoned for up to 10 years and also fined.

Official Text

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.

Related Judgments

  • SITA vs STATE — Delhi High Court (2018)
  • STATE (GNCT) OF DELHI vs RAHUL DAS & ORS — Delhi High Court (2025)
  • APPLICATION NO. 5286 OF 2009; APPEAL NO. OF 2009; The State of vs Ganganarayan @ Arvind, Shambudayal Dube & Ors — Bombay High Court (Mumbai Principal Seat) (2010)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • BNS §99 — Buying child for purposes of prostitution, etc