Section 70 BNS

Criminal Law October 2026
Legal RoundUpTopic-wise Roundup

The October 2026 Criminal Law Roundup witnessed several significant judicial developments in criminal law, with various High Courts addressing important questions concerning individual liberty, criminal liability, procedural safeguards, juvenile offenders, POCSO-related offences, bail, contempt of court and the quashing of criminal proceedings.

woman charged with gang rape
Case BriefsHigh Courts

Delhi High Court dismissed a petition challenging an order on charge in a case involving offences under the POCSO Act, holding that the word “persons” in the gang rape provision under Section 376-D IPC/Section 70 BNS is gender neutral, so as a woman who forms part of a group or acts in furtherance of a common intention to have rape committed on the victim can be charged with the offence, though a woman alone cannot be charged.