17th December, 2025 : Awareness Session on Offences Against Women under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for Counsellors of Parihar- Bangalore City Police

Parihar organised an awareness session on offences against women under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Parihar Command Centre for its counsellors. The session was aimed at strengthening the legal awareness of counsellors who work closely with women facing violence and abuse and who often act as the first point of contact for survivors. The programme sought to help counsellors understand key criminal offences affecting women under the new legal framework and relate these provisions to their everyday counselling work.

The session began with Adv. Archana Casmir introducing the purpose of the programme and emphasising the importance of creating a space for mutual learning. She highlighted the role of counsellors in responding to women in distress and acknowledged the value of their lived experiences. As part of the opening interaction, counsellors were invited to share the kinds of cases they regularly handle at Parihar. Participants spoke about domestic violence, cruelty by husbands and in-laws, sexual harassment, abandonment and dowry-related abuse. This interaction helped ground the session in the realities faced by counsellors and encouraged active participation.

The substantive legal session was conducted by Adv. Misbah Shan, who provided an overview of offences against women under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with references to corresponding provisions under the Indian Penal Code. She explained that while many offences remain similar in substance, the BNS introduces changes in structure and language that are important to understand while guiding survivors. She emphasised that minor factual differences can significantly alter the legal nature of a case.

The discussion began with sexual offences, particularly rape. Adv. Misbah explained the legal definition, essential ingredients and the range of punishments depending on the severity of the offence. Special attention was given to the concept of consent and situations where consent is not considered valid under law. Through examples, she explained how consent obtained through fear, coercion or deception cannot be treated as free consent, helping counsellors understand the legal nuances involved.

The session then moved to the offence relating to false promise to marry under the BNS. Adv. Misbah explained the circumstances in which such a promise may amount to a criminal offence and stressed the importance of examining the intention of the accused at the time the promise was made. Different scenarios were discussed to distinguish between genuine relationships that later fail and cases involving deception from the outset. This segment generated considerable discussion, as counsellors frequently encounter such complaints during counselling sessions.

Offences relating to assault and criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman, as well as sexual harassment, were also discussed. The speaker highlighted how acts that are often normalised in everyday life may still amount to criminal offences. Voyeurism and stalking were explained with reference to their legal ingredients, punishments and common examples, particularly in the context of increasing use of technology and social media.

Particular emphasis was placed on domestic and marital offences, given their relevance to the work of Parihar. Adv. Misbah explained cruelty by husband or relatives in detail, including its ingredients and typical patterns of abuse. Offences such as dowry death, bigamy, fraudulent marriage, cohabitation by deceit and taking or enticing a married woman were also discussed with practical illustrations to help counsellors relate the law to real-life situations.

The session also addressed offences relating to bodily harm and reproductive rights, including acid attacks and offences relating to miscarriage. The distinction between punishable acts and legally permissible termination of pregnancy was explained, with reference to a woman’s right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Offences relating to preventing a child from being born alive or causing the death of an unborn child were also briefly discussed.

Throughout the session, counsellors actively raised questions and sought clarifications. Discussions included extra-marital relationships and their legal relevance when combined with other offences, as well as questions on how situations involving domestic violence against men may be approached. Towards the end of the session, practical guidance was given on the importance of collecting and preserving evidence and maintaining proper documentation during counselling, as this can support future legal proceedings.

The session concluded with reflections on the need for continuous legal awareness for counsellors working with women in distress. Overall, the programme was a valuable learning experience that strengthened the counsellors’ understanding of offences against women under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and reinforced their role in supporting survivors through informed and empathetic intervention.