Section 65Punishment for rape in certain cases
Chapter V — Of Offences Against Woman and Child
Copied from the Official Gazette. Not yet reviewed by a qualified legal professional.
Text of the law
Official text (Gazette) Not yet legally reviewed(1) Whoever, commits rape on a woman under sixteen years of age shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, and shall also be liable to fine:
Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the victim:
Provided further that any fine imposed under this sub-section shall be paid to the victim.
(2) Whoever, commits rape on a woman under twelve years of age shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, and with fine or with death:
Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the victim:
Provided further that any fine imposed under this sub-section shall be paid to the victim.
Amendments, judgments and appeal information have not been added for this section yet.
Source and checking
- Where this text comes from
- Gazette of India, Extraordinary, No. 53, 25 December 2023 (Act No. 45 of 2023)
- Type of text
- Official text (Gazette)
- Pages in the Gazette
- p. 25
- Text version
- As originally enacted in 2023. This text may not reflect subsequent amendments or commencement notifications. Last status check: 6 November 2026.
- When the Act came into force
- 1 July 2024, under Government notification S.O. 850(E), dated 23 February 2024. Read notification S.O. 850(E) in the Gazette of India (PDF, opens in a new tab)The notification excluded section 106(2); see the note on that section.Whether an excluded provision was brought into force later has not been independently confirmed. Checked against the Gazette on 6 November 2026. Not yet reviewed by a qualified legal professional.
- Checked by computer against the Gazette?
- Yes, words and structure match
- Reviewed by a qualified legal professional?
- Not yet
- Copied on
- 6 Nov 2026
Nyayabharat provides legal information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a qualified advocate.

