IPC Section 377 — Unnatural offences

unnatural offences

Criminal

Punishment

Life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years and fine

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

Summary

This section makes it a crime for a person to willingly have sexual intercourse that is considered against the natural order, with another person or an animal. The punishment for this offence can be imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for up to ten years, along with a possible fine.

Official Text

Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Related Judgments

  • SAKSHI vs UNION OF INDIA — Supreme Court of India (2004)
  • SURESH KUMAR KOUSHAL AND ANOTHER vs NAZ FOUNDATION AND OTHERS — Supreme Court of India (2013)
  • NAVTEJ SINGH JOHAR & ORS. vs UNION OF INDIA THR. SECRETARY MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE — Supreme Court of India (2018)
  • Naz Foundation vs Government of NCT of Delhi, and Others — Delhi High Court (2009)
  • ANIL @ ANTHONY ARIKSWAMY JOSEPH vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA — Supreme Court of India (2014)
  • STATE OF KERALA vs KURISSUM MOOTTIL ANTONY — Supreme Court of India (2006)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • BNS §71 — Punishment for repeat offenders