Section 69 BNS Explained : Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is a critical legal provision that addresses the offense of engaging in sexual intercourse with a woman under false pretenses. Specifically, it targets individuals who use deceitful means or make false promises of marriage without the intention of fulfilling those promises.

This law aims to protect women from fraudulent actions and ensure justice for those who have been wronged by such deceitful practices. The BNS has replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, bringing significant legal updates, especially with Section 69. This pivotal section criminalizes consensual sex under a false promise of marriage, imposing penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines. BNS 69 specifically addresses deceitful sexual relations that arise from false promises of marriage, employment, promotion, or identity suppression, distinguishing these cases from rape.

Historically, Indian courts have treated sex based on false marriage promises as rape under IPC sections 375 and 90. However, BNS 69 specifies that consensual sex under false promises can be penalized if the promise was deceitful from the start, unlike instances where legitimate reasons prevented marriage, such as parental opposition or social differences.