According to Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, men who break up with women may face a ten-year jail sentence. Section 69, one of the sections of the BNS, specifically addresses women and their social security.
On Monday, July 1, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam superseded the outdated IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act, respectively. The new laws contain several clauses, which have been and continue to be studied and scrutinized by legal experts. The new law prioritizes crimes against women and children, as well as murder and crimes against the state. One of the clauses, Section 69 of the BNS, is solely for women and their social security.
Experts are concerned about the 10-year jail term for break-ups under the new rule
Furthermore, it broadens the definition of theft to encompass data and intangible objects. Section 69 will address instances of false promises of marriage. Along with cases of abandonment of women after engaging in sexual relations on the false promise of marriage.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita says, “Whoever, by deceitful means or by making promises to marry a woman without a plan of fulfilling the same, and has sexual intercourse with her, will be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term, and this may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to a fine.” This portion has rattled many people who are concerned about what it will lead to.
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The incarceration for the “promise to marry” part of Section 69 has raised concerns. Mostly, among those in relationships, men will be unfairly punished as a result of relationship breakdowns. Lawyers say an intent to deceive may be proven if the relationship ended for other reasons. The male partner could face serious consequences. According to police officials, Section 69 of the BNS may make it simpler to arrest men even without reliable evidence.
A woman’s word can have her ex-partner arrested, says a cop
There are more issues in this section. Police can make arrests after conducting an initial investigation. Making a strong case with evidence in court, on the other hand, is an entirely different story.
“The court relies on evidence. We will have to provide circumstantial proof that there was a pledge to marry and that the sexual intercourse took place under false pretenses.” This is extremely difficult to prove,” said a seasoned senior police officer.
