Sexual Offences and Abortion Practice Questions

Q: Abortion stick used in criminal abortion causes abortion by the mechanism of -

Uterine contraction. ***Uterine contraction*** * Abortion sticks are typically non-sterile instruments inserted into the uterus to physically disrupt the pregnancy, leading to reflexive **uterine contractions** to expel the contents. * The mechanical irritation or disruption of the uterine lining and cervix directly triggers the release of prostaglandins, which stimulate powerful **myometrial contractions**. *Uterine infection & necrosis* * While non-sterile abortion sticks frequently cause **uterine infection** and subsequent **necrosis** due to introduction of bacteria, these are complications rather than the primary mechanism by which the abortion itself is induced. * Infection and necrosis can worsen the outcome and contribute to fetal demise, but the initial abortion trigger is usually mechanical. *Placental separation* * Although placental separation is an outcome of an abortion, it is not the primary mechanism by which an abortion stick works. * The stick's purpose is to initiate the process leading to expulsion, rather than directly detaching the placenta in a controlled way. *Stimulation of uterine nerves* * While the uterus contains nerves, their direct stimulation by an abortion stick is not the primary mechanism for inducing abortion. * The abortion process relies more on mechanical disruption and prostaglandin-mediated contractions rather than nerve impulses directly leading to expulsion.

Q: A 28 year old victim of gang rape is brought to you for examination. Which of the following test would you NOT expect to be positive in a sample material obtained from the victim's vagina?

Gettler's test. ***Gettler's test*** - **Gettler's test** is used to detect **hemoglobin derivatives**, specifically **carboxyhemoglobin** or **methemoglobin**, in blood or tissue samples, primarily for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning or specific types of poisoning. - This test is **not relevant** for the analysis of seminal fluid or vaginal swabs in cases of sexual assault. *Aluminium molybdate test* - The **aluminum molybdate test** is used to detect **choline** in seminal fluid, which is a component of semen. - A positive result suggests the presence of **ejaculated semen**, indicating recent sexual activity. *Acid phosphatase test* - The **acid phosphatase test** is a common forensic test used to detect the presence of **human prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP)**, an enzyme found in high concentrations in seminal fluid. - A positive reaction is a strong indicator of the presence of **semen** in a vaginal sample. *Barberio's test* - **Barberio's test** is a microscopic test used to detect **spermine picrate crystals**, which form when picric acid is added to seminal fluid. - This test is highly specific for the presence of **spermine**, a polyamine found in high concentrations in semen.

Q: Which section of the Indian Penal Code deals with sexual intercourse by a public servant with a woman in his custody?

376B. ***376B*** - This section specifically addresses **sexual intercourse by a public servant** with a woman who is in his **custody**, or in the custody of a public authority or institution subordinate to him. - It prescribes **rigorous imprisonment for a term of 5 to 10 years and fine** for such acts, recognizing the **power imbalance** and breach of trust involved when a public servant exploits their position. - The law recognizes that consent is vitiated when there is a position of authority and custody involved. *376A* - This section deals with **punishment for causing death or persistent vegetative state of the victim** during commission of rape or gang rape. - It prescribes **rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years** which may extend to life imprisonment or death penalty. - This is distinct from the custody-based offense in 376B. *375A* - There is **no such section** as 375A in the Indian Penal Code. - Section 375 defines rape and its circumstances, but it does not have a subsection 375A. *375B* - There is **no such section** as 375B in the Indian Penal Code. - Section 375 defines rape and its circumstances, but it does not have a subsection 375B.

Q: Under the POCSO Act, 2012, which of the following does NOT qualify as aggravated penetrative sexual assault?

Assault committed by a child below 18 years of age. ***Assault committed by a child below 18 years of age*** - The **POCSO Act, 2012**, defines **aggravated penetrative sexual assault** based on the **perpetrator's status** (e.g., in a position of trust or authority), **circumstances of the assault** (e.g., gang assault, during conflict), or **vulnerability of the victim**. - While an assault committed by a child is still a serious offense, the **age of the perpetrator** (if below 18) typically leads to different legal proceedings and juvenile justice provisions rather than classifying it as aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the specific criteria for aggravation in POCSO. *Assault by a police officer on duty* - This scenario triggers **aggravated penetrative sexual assault** because the perpetrator is a **person in a position of authority** or public servant, and the act is committed while on duty, exploiting their power. - The Act specifically lists such individuals as those whose actions constitute aggravation due to the **abuse of power and trust**. *Assault during communal or sectarian violence* - This situation constitutes **aggravated penetrative sexual assault** because the assault occurs in a context of **widespread societal disruption and violence**, often targeting specific groups. - The Act includes offenses committed during such conflicts as aggravated due to the severe impact on the victim and the community, often involving **multiple perpetrators** or extreme cruelty. *Assault committed by a group of persons (gang assault)* - A **gang assault** is explicitly defined as **aggravated penetrative sexual assault** under the POCSO Act. - The involvement of **multiple perpetrators** significantly increases the victim's trauma, fear, and vulnerability, making it an aggravated offense.

Q: Up to how many weeks of gestation is the opinion of only one RMP needed as per the MTP (Amendment) Act, 2021?

20. ***20 weeks*** - As per the **Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021**, a single Registered Medical Practitioner's (RMP) opinion is sufficient for terminating a pregnancy up to **20 weeks** of gestation. - This is an **increase from the previous limit of 12 weeks** under the MTP Act, 1971, allowing for better access to safe abortion services. - The amendment recognizes that medical decision-making often requires more time and removes unnecessary barriers. *12 weeks* - This was the correct answer under the **old MTP Act of 1971**. - The **2021 amendment** has extended this limit to **20 weeks** for a single RMP's opinion. - This option reflects outdated legal provisions. *24 weeks* - Termination of pregnancy between **20-24 weeks** requires the opinion of **two RMPs**, not one. - This limit applies to **special categories** such as survivors of rape, incest, minors, or cases with fetal abnormalities. - Beyond 24 weeks, termination is allowed only for substantial fetal abnormalities as diagnosed by a Medical Board. *16 weeks* - This is not a specific threshold mentioned in the MTP Act. - The Act clearly specifies **20 weeks** as the upper limit for requiring only one RMP's opinion. - This falls within the single-RMP requirement zone but is not the maximum limit.

Q: Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Gang Rape is punished under

Section 70 BNS. ***Section 70 BNS*** - This section specifically addresses **gang rape** under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, where **two or more persons** acting in common intention commit rape. - The punishment under this section is **rigorous imprisonment for life** or **death**, reflecting the severity of the offense involving multiple perpetrators. *Section 64 BNS* - This section deals with **sexual intercourse by public servant** with a woman in his custody, or by superintendent of jail/remand home with inmates. - It does not specifically cover the scenario of **gang rape** involving multiple perpetrators acting in common intention. *Section 71 BNS* - This section outlines the **punishment for repeat offenders** who have previously been convicted of rape under various sections of BNS 2023. - It focuses on **enhanced punishment for recurrent offenses** rather than defining the act of gang rape itself. *Section 65 BNS* - This section pertains to **punishment for rape causing death** or resulting in **persistent vegetative state** of the victim. - While it deals with severe outcomes of rape, it does not specifically address the involvement of **multiple perpetrators** in a gang rape scenario.

Q: Section 376AB I.P.C deals with:

Rape on a woman below 12 years. ***Rape on a woman below 12 years*** - Section 376AB of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) specifically addresses the offense of **sexual assault (rape)** where the victim is a female under the age of **12 years**. - This section was introduced to provide stricter penalties for offenses against very young children. *Gang rape on a woman below 12 years* - While gang rape on a woman below 12 years is also a serious offense, it falls under a different subsection of 376 (e.g., 376DA), not 376AB itself. - Section 376AB specifically focuses on individual acts of rape. *Rape on a woman below 16 years* - Rape on a woman below 16 years is covered by other sections of the IPC, such as 376 read with relevant age stipulations, but **not specifically 376AB**. - Section 376AB is specifically for victims under 12, indicating a distinct legal threshold for stricter punishment. *Gang rape on a woman below 16 years* - This offense is addressed by separate provisions within the IPC (e.g., 376D or 376DA, depending on the victim's exact age and circumstances), rather than **Section 376AB**. - Section 376AB's focus is on the age criterion of **below 12 years** for individual rape.

Q: Punishment for penetrative sexual assault under POSCO act is

7 years. **7 years** - Under Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (**POSCO**) Act, the punishment for penetrative sexual assault is **rigorous imprisonment** for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine. - This minimum sentence reflects the severity with which the law views offenses involving child victims. *12 years* - While certain aggravated forms of sexual assault under POSCO can carry significantly longer sentences, 12 years is not the standard minimum or typical base punishment for penetrative sexual assault. - This duration might be applicable in cases involving **aggravating circumstances**, but not as the general penalty for penetrative sexual assault. *10 years* - The minimum punishment specified in the POSCO Act for penetrative sexual assault is **seven years**, not ten years. - A ten-year sentence might be imposed by a court within the possible range of punishment but is not the statutory minimum. *5 years* - Five years is **below the minimum term of imprisonment** prescribed by the POSCO Act for the offense of penetrative sexual assault. - Such a sentence would be applicable for lesser offenses under the Act, but not for penetrative sexual assault.

Q: False about MTP is -

Consent of husband is must. ***Consent of husband is must*** - The **Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act** (amended in 2021) in India explicitly states that **only the consent of the pregnant woman** is required for an abortion. - The husband's consent is **not legally necessary** and cannot be a barrier to accessing MTP services. - **This statement is FALSE**, making it the correct answer to this negation question. *Requires opinion of at least two registered medical practitioners when pregnancy exceeds 12 weeks* - This statement is **TRUE**; for pregnancies between **12 and 20 weeks**, the opinion of **two registered medical practitioners** is required. - For pregnancies between **20 and 24 weeks**, two registered medical practitioners are required for specific vulnerable categories of women. *>16 weeks, hysterotomy can be done* - **Hysterotomy** is a surgical procedure similar to a mini-C-section, used in specific cases for MTP, often in later gestations or when other methods are contraindicated. - While exact gestational limits vary by clinical judgment and local regulations, it is indeed a method considered for **later second-trimester terminations**, including those beyond 16 weeks, under proper medical indication. - **This statement is TRUE**. *Illegal if >20 weeks of pregnancy* - This statement was largely true under the **MTP Act of 1971**, which set the upper limit for MTP at 20 weeks. - However, the **MTP (Amendment) Act of 2021** has expanded this limit, allowing termination up to **24 weeks for specific categories of women** and in cases of substantial fetal abnormalities, there is **no upper gestational limit** for termination. - **This statement is now FALSE** as per the 2021 amendments, though it requires contextual understanding.

Q: Most common position of hymen rupture in a virgin is:

Postero-lateral. ***Postero-lateral*** - The **postero-lateral aspect** is the most common site of hymenal rupture due to its relatively **thinner and less elastic nature** compared to other regions. - During initial sexual intercourse, the pressure exerted tends to concentrate at this weaker point, leading to tearing. *Antero-lateral* - The **anterolateral hymen** is generally **thicker and more elastic**, making it less prone to tearing during initial penetration. - While rupture can occur here, it is less common than in the postero-lateral region. *Anterior* - The **anterior portion of the hymen** is typically even **thicker and more robust**, providing greater resistance to tearing. - Rupture in this region is relatively rare during initial intercourse. *Posterior* - Although the posterior region of the hymen is generally **thinner than the anterior part**, the **postero-lateral regions** are specifically more susceptible to rupture. - The direct posterior midline might also rupture, but the angled and combined postero-lateral force is clinically more significant.

Question 1

Abortion stick used in criminal abortion causes abortion by the mechanism of -

Accepted Answer

Uterine contraction

Answer

Uterine infection & necrosis

Answer

Placental separation

Answer

Stimulation of uterine nerves

Question 2

A 28 year old victim of gang rape is brought to you for examination. Which of the following test would you NOT expect to be positive in a sample material obtained from the victim's vagina?

Accepted Answer

Gettler's test

Answer

Aluminium molybdate test

Answer

Acid phosphatase test

Answer

Barberio's test

Question 3

Which section of the Indian Penal Code deals with sexual intercourse by a public servant with a woman in his custody?

Accepted Answer

376B

Answer

376A

Answer

375A

Answer

375B

Question 4

Under the POCSO Act, 2012, which of the following does NOT qualify as aggravated penetrative sexual assault?

Accepted Answer

Assault committed by a child below 18 years of age

Answer

Assault by a police officer on duty

Answer

Assault during communal or sectarian violence

Answer

Assault committed by a group of persons (gang assault)

Question 5

Up to how many weeks of gestation is the opinion of only one RMP needed as per the MTP (Amendment) Act, 2021?

Accepted Answer

20

Answer

12

Answer

24

Answer

16

Question 6

Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Gang Rape is punished under

Accepted Answer

Section 70 BNS

Answer

Section 71 BNS

Answer

Section 65 BNS

Answer

Section 64 BNS

Question 7

Section 376AB I.P.C deals with:

Accepted Answer

Rape on a woman below 12 years

Answer

Gang rape on a woman below 12 years

Answer

Rape on a woman below 16 years

Answer

Gang rape on a woman below 16 years

Question 8

Punishment for penetrative sexual assault under POSCO act is

Accepted Answer

7 years

Answer

12 years

Answer

10 years

Answer

5 years

Question 9

False about MTP is -

Accepted Answer

Consent of husband is must

Answer

Requires opinion of at least two registered medical practitioners when pregnancy exceeds 12 weeks

Answer

>16 weeks, hysterotomy can be done

Answer

Illegal if >20 weeks of pregnancy

Question 10

Most common position of hymen rupture in a virgin is:

Accepted Answer

Postero-lateral

Answer

Answer

Posterior

Answer

Antero-lateral

Sexual Offences and Abortion — MCQs

Sexual Offences and Abortion — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?