What Is BNSS Section 457?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Section 457: Postponement of Capital Sentence on Pregnant Woman

If a woman sentenced to death is found to be pregnant, the High Court shall commute the sentence to imprisonment for life.

Brefe Detail

Section 457 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, addresses the situation where a woman sentenced to death is found to be pregnant. In such cases, the High Court is required to commute the death sentence to imprisonment for life.

Question & Answers

Q1: What does Section 457 state regarding pregnant women sentenced to death?

A1: It states that if a woman sentenced to death is found to be pregnant, her sentence shall be commuted to imprisonment for life.

Q2: Who is responsible for commuting the sentence?

A2: The High Court is responsible for commuting the sentence in such cases.

Q3: What happens to the death sentence if a woman is confirmed to be pregnant?

A3: The death sentence is commuted to imprisonment for life.

Example

1. If a woman receives a death sentence and is later found to be pregnant, the High Court will change her sentence to life imprisonment.

2. A woman on death row discovers she is pregnant; the High Court will commute her death sentence to imprisonment for life.

3. In cases where pregnancy is confirmed after sentencing, the legal provision mandates that the death penalty cannot be carried out.

Summary

Section 457 ensures that a pregnant woman sentenced to death is spared from execution by mandating that her sentence be changed to imprisonment for life, highlighting the legal system's consideration of maternal rights and the unborn child's welfare.