IPC 372 → BNS 98: Selling Minor (Prostitution)

Quick Summary: IPC 372 vs BNS 98

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 372 deals with selling minor (prostitution), part of the IPC's offences affecting the human body — homicide, hurt, wrongful restraint, criminal force, kidnapping and sexual offences, the largest group in the code. The BNS renumbers selling minor (prostitution) as BNS 98 and, for several sexual and grievous-hurt offences, enhances the punishment.

What did IPC 372 cover?

IPC 372 dealt with selling minor (prostitution) — selling minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 98: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to selling minor (prostitution) are filed under BNS Section 98, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 98

Same - Up to 10 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For selling minor (prostitution), the grading of the offence — and therefore bail and forum — turns on intention, the degree of hurt and aggravating factors; map IPC 372 carefully to BNS 98.
• Police officers: Record the nature and degree of injury and the weapon or means used; a new selling minor (prostitution) FIR is filed under BNS 98.
• Law students & citizens: Punishment for selling minor (prostitution) rises sharply with the seriousness of the harm and the victim — the IPC 372 to BNS 98 change does not lower it.