“Crime Against Women in India: A Socio-Legal and Comparative Study with Reference to IPC and BNS 2023”

Abstract

Crimes against women in India represent a persistent challenge that affects not only individual victims but also the broader social and legal fabric of the nation. This research paper, titled "Crime Against Women in India: A Socio-Legal and Comparative Study with Reference to IPC and BNS 2023," undertakes a comprehensive analysis of gender-based violence from both sociological and legal perspectives. With the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), significant transformations have emerged in the legislative framework related to crimes against women. This study examines how effectively the new provisions under BNS 2023 address long-standing issues such as domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, dowry deaths, acid attacks, and trafficking, in comparison to the IPC.

The paper adopts a doctrinal and analytical methodology to study relevant statutory provisions, judicial pronouncements, and empirical data. It contextualizes these legal developments within the broader societal landscape, exploring the intersection of law, patriarchy, and cultural norms. A comparative analysis highlights whether the BNS 2023 ensures better protection, quicker justice delivery, and more victim-centric approaches than its colonial predecessor. Furthermore, the study critiques the extent to which reforms align with international conventions and obligations such as CEDAW and the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women.

By assessing the socio-legal implications of the transition from IPC to BNS, this research seeks to inform policy-making, promote legal literacy, and advocate for more robust mechanisms to safeguard women's rights and dignity in India.