Sexual Offences and Abortion Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is NOT used for procuring criminal abortion?

Ripe fruit of papaya. In Forensic Medicine, substances used to induce criminal abortion are classified as **Abortifacients**. These are typically divided into local irritants and systemic poisons (ecbolics and emmenagogues). **Why Option A is Correct:** The **ripe fruit of papaya** is considered safe and does not possess abortifacient properties. In contrast, the **unripe or semi-ripe papaya** contains high concentrations of **latex and papain**. Papain acts like prostaglandin and oxytocin, which can trigger uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage. Therefore, while unripe papaya is a known abortifacient, the ripe version is not used for procuring criminal abortion. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Saffron (Option B):** In large doses, saffron acts as a systemic emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow) and can cause uterine contractions, leading to abortion. * **Seeds of Carrot (Option C):** Specifically the seeds of *Daucus carota* (Wild Carrot) have been used traditionally as an "herbal morning-after pill." They contain terpenoids that block progesterone synthesis, preventing implantation or disrupting an early pregnancy. * **Unripe fruit of pineapple (Option D):** Unripe pineapple contains **bromelain**, a proteolytic enzyme that can soften the cervix and induce uterine contractions. Like unripe papaya, it is a classic example of a dietary abortifacient. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Common Local Irritants:** Abortion sticks (coated with *Calotropis* or *Plumbago rosea*), marking nut (*Semecarpus anacardium*). * **Common Systemic Abortifacients:** Ergot, Quinine, Pennyroyal oil, and Lead (the only metal used as an abortifacient). * **Legal Aspect:** Criminal abortion is dealt with under **Sections 312-316 of the IPC**. If the woman dies during the attempt, it falls under **Section 314 IPC**.

Q: Which of the following is NOT true about gang rape?

Sexual intercourse by one person. **Explanation:** The concept of **Gang Rape** is defined under **Section 376D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)** (now corresponding to Section 70 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita - BNS). **1. Why Option A is the Correct Answer:** By definition, gang rape occurs when an offense of sexual assault is committed by **one or more persons acting in furtherance of a common intention**. However, the legal threshold for "gang" involvement requires a group. If a sexual assault is committed by a **single individual** acting alone, it is classified as "Rape" under Section 375 IPC, not "Gang Rape." Therefore, "sexual intercourse by one person" is the statement that is NOT true regarding the definition of gang rape. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Options B, C, and D:** These are all technically true in the context of gang rape. According to the law, if a group of persons (two, three, or many) acts with common intention, and even if only one of them commits the physical act of penetration, **all persons** in that group are deemed guilty of gang rape. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Section 376D IPC:** Deals specifically with the punishment for gang rape (Imprisonment for not less than 20 years, extending to life). * **Common Intention:** The presence of "common intention" is the legal cornerstone of gang rape; every member of the group is held equally liable regardless of who performed the act. * **Age of Consent:** Post the 2018 Amendment, the punishment for gang rape of a girl under 12 years (Section 376DB) or 16 years (Section 376DA) includes the possibility of the death penalty. * **Medical Examination:** In cases of multiple assailants, the forensic expert must look for "patterned injuries" and collect separate DNA evidence (semen/swabs) to identify the number of perpetrators.

Q: In case of a rape victim, within how many days should a vaginal swab be taken?

3 days. **Explanation:** The collection of forensic evidence in sexual assault cases is time-sensitive. The correct answer is **3 days (72 hours)** because this is the maximum duration for which motile and non-motile spermatozoa can typically be reliably recovered from the vaginal vault. * **Why 3 days is correct:** Spermatozoa survive in the acidic environment of the vagina for a limited period. While motile sperm usually disappear within 6–12 hours, non-motile sperm can be detected for up to 3 days (72 hours). Beyond this window, enzymatic degradation and vaginal discharge make recovery highly unlikely. * **Why A (2 days) is incorrect:** While swabs taken at 48 hours are highly likely to yield evidence, the forensic window extends further to 72 hours. * **Why C & D (4 & 7 days) are incorrect:** By day 4, the likelihood of finding intact spermatozoa in the vagina is negligible. However, it is important to note that sperm can survive longer in other sites (e.g., up to 5 days in the cervical mucus or 24 hours in the rectum/mouth). **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** 1. **Sperm Survival Times:** * **Vagina:** 3 days (72 hours). * **Cervix:** Up to 5 days. * **Mouth:** 6 hours. * **Anus/Rectum:** 24 hours. 2. **Acid Phosphatase:** This enzyme (secreted by the prostate) is a marker for semen. It remains detectable in the vagina for about **24 hours**. 3. **Florence Test & Barberio Test:** These are preliminary chemical tests used to detect semen (Florence detects choline; Barberio detects spermine). 4. **DNA Profiling:** This is the gold standard for identification and should be attempted even if the 72-hour window has passed, as epithelial cells may still be present.

Q: Quod Hanc is:

Psychological impotence. ***Psychological impotence*** - **Quod Hanc** is a Latin term meaning "as to this woman," referring to **psychological or relative impotence** where a man is unable to perform sexually with a specific woman. - This condition is **situational and selective**, as the individual may be capable of sexual performance with other partners, indicating a psychological rather than physical basis. *Impotence to all women* - This describes **absolute impotence** affecting all sexual encounters, not the selective nature implied by **Quod Hanc**. - The Latin term specifically refers to impotence with a **particular woman**, not a generalized condition. *Legally impotent* - Legal impotence refers to **inability to consummate marriage** as recognized by law for annulment purposes. - **Quod Hanc** is a medical-forensic term describing a specific type of psychological impotence, not a legal classification. *Medically impotent* - Medical impotence implies **organic or physical causes** such as vascular, neurological, or hormonal disorders. - **Quod Hanc** specifically denotes **psychological impotence** without underlying physical pathology, making this option incorrect.

Q: A 16-year-old boy is accused of raping a 12-year-old girl. By which of the following findings can the boy prove his innocence?

Absence of blood and semen on clothes and genitalia.. ### Explanation In forensic medicine, the medical examination of a rape suspect aims to find evidence of contact, struggle, or sexual activity. **Why Option B is Correct:** The presence of **biological fluids** (semen, sperm, or blood) is considered **positive evidence** of sexual contact. Conversely, the complete absence of blood and semen on the suspect’s genitalia and clothing serves as **negative evidence**. While it does not definitively disprove an act occurred (as penetration can happen without ejaculation), in a legal and forensic context, the lack of these biological markers is the strongest physical finding among the choices to support a claim of innocence or lack of contact. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A:** The absence of abrasions only indicates a lack of physical struggle. Rape can occur without visible injuries if the victim is incapacitated, threatened, or if there is no resistance. * **Option C:** Saliva is an auxiliary finding (e.g., from kissing or biting). Its absence does not disprove the primary act of intercourse. * **Option D:** Under the **Indian Penal Code (IPC)** and the **POCSO Act**, there is no "minimum age" for a male to be legally capable of rape. The old English Common Law "Presumption of Impotency" (under age 14) is not recognized in India. A 16-year-old is biologically and legally capable of committing the offense. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Locard’s Exchange Principle:** "Every contact leaves a trace." This is the basis for seeking semen/blood in sexual assault cases. * **Acid Phosphatase Test:** The best screening test for semen (remains positive for up to 48 hours in the vagina). * **Florence Test & Barberio’s Test:** Microchemical tests for semen (detecting choline and spermine, respectively). * **DNA Profiling:** The gold standard for individual identification in sexual offences.

Q: Which abortifacient causes ototoxicity?

Quinine. **Explanation:** **Correct Option: B. Quinine** Quinine is an alkaloid derived from Cinchona bark, historically used as an antimalarial and an illegal abortifacient [1]. It acts as a smooth muscle stimulant, causing uterine contractions [1]. However, it has a narrow therapeutic index. Toxicity, known as **Cinchonism**, characteristically presents with **ototoxicity** (tinnitus, vertigo, and sensorineural hearing loss) and visual disturbances (optic neuritis/atrophy). In the context of abortion, it is highly dangerous as the dose required to induce uterine contractions is often close to the fatal dose. **Incorrect Options:** * **A. Lead:** Lead (specifically 'Diachylon' or lead oleate) is a systemic poison used as an abortifacient [1], [2]. It causes abortion by causing punctate basophilia and damaging the trophoblastic epithelium, but its primary toxicities are colic, encephalopathy, and peripheral neuropathy (wrist drop), not ototoxicity. * **C. Mercury:** Mercury is a corrosive poison. While it can cause renal failure and neurological symptoms (tremors, erethism), it is not specifically associated with ototoxicity in the context of abortion [1], [2]. * **D. Ergot:** Ergot alkaloids (e.g., Ergometrine) are powerful oxytocics [1]. Toxicity (Ergotism) typically leads to **gangrene** of the extremities due to intense vasoconstriction or convulsions, rather than auditory nerve damage. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Cinchonism Triad:** Tinnitus, Visual disturbances, and G.I. upset. * **Fatal Dose of Quinine:** Approximately 8–15 grams. * **Other Ototoxic Drugs:** Aminoglycosides, Loop diuretics, Cisplatin, and Aspirin (Salicylates). * **MTP Act (India):** Remember that medical termination is legal up to 24 weeks under specific conditions; using these chemical agents constitutes "Criminal Abortion" under Section 312-316 of the IPC (now BNS).

Q: A person who may be impotent with one particular woman is called:

Quoad hoc. **Explanation:** **1. Why "Quoad hoc" is correct:** The term **Quoad hoc** (Latin for "as far as this") refers to a specific type of psychological or functional impotence where a man is capable of having intercourse generally but is unable to perform with a **particular woman**. This is often due to psychological factors such as deep-seated dislike, fear, or lack of attraction toward that specific partner. In forensic medicine, this is a recognized legal ground for the annulment of marriage if the condition existed at the time of marriage and continues to persist. **2. Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Frigidity:** This refers to a lack of sexual desire or the inability to achieve orgasm in **females**. It is the female counterpart to impotence but is a broader term involving psychological aversion to sex. * **Atavistic form:** This is a biological concept (often discussed in criminology or evolution) where an individual manifests traits belonging to a remote ancestor rather than their immediate parents. It has no clinical relevance to selective impotence. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Impotence vs. Sterility:** Impotence is the inability to perform the sexual act (erectile dysfunction), whereas sterility is the inability to procreate (defective sperm/ovum). * **Potency Test:** In legal cases, the **Rigiscan** (nocturnal penile tumescence monitoring) is the gold standard to differentiate between psychological and organic impotence. * **Legal Significance:** Under Section 12 of the Hindu Marriage Act, impotence (including *quoad hoc*) is a ground for declaring a marriage voidable. * **Vaginismus:** This is the female equivalent of functional impotence, where involuntary spasms of the pelvic floor muscles prevent penetration.

Q: Which of the following is not considered a crime?

Incest. **Explanation:** In the context of Indian law (IPC/BNS), the classification of sexual offences depends on the presence of consent, the age of the victim, and the nature of the act. **Why Incest is the Correct Answer:** In India, **Incest** (sexual intercourse between blood relatives) is **not a specific, independent crime** under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). While it is socially and morally condemned and serves as a valid ground for divorce under various personal laws (e.g., Hindu Marriage Act), it is not punishable as a distinct criminal offence provided both parties are consenting adults. However, if the act involves a minor, it is prosecuted under the POCSO Act; if it involves non-consent, it is prosecuted as Rape. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Rape (Section 375 IPC / Section 63 BNS):** A major cognizable offence involving non-consensual sexual intercourse or intercourse with a woman under 18 years of age. * **Child Abuse:** Strictly prohibited and punishable under the **POCSO Act, 2012**. Any sexual act with a person under 18 is a crime, regardless of consent. * **Indecent Assault (Section 354 IPC / Section 74 BNS):** Defined as using criminal force to outrage the modesty of a woman. It is a punishable criminal offence. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Adultery:** Previously a crime under Section 497 IPC, it was **decriminalized** by the Supreme Court in the *Joseph Shine vs. Union of India* (2018) case. * **Unnatural Offences:** Section 377 IPC was partially struck down (Navtej Singh Johar case), decriminalizing consensual homosexual acts between adults. * **Age of Consent:** In India, the legal age of consent for sexual activity is **18 years**. * **Medical Examination:** In rape cases, the doctor must record findings but **cannot** give a legal opinion on whether "rape" occurred; they only document evidence of "recent sexual intercourse."

Q: Which of the following sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) makes the printing or publication of the identity of the rape victim punishable?

Section 228 A. **Explanation:** **Section 228 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)** was specifically introduced to protect the social reputation and privacy of victims of certain offenses, primarily sexual assault and rape. It mandates that the identity of a victim (name, photograph, or any information leading to identification) must not be printed or published. Violation of this section is a cognizable offense punishable by imprisonment for up to two years and a fine. Disclosure is only permitted under specific legal circumstances, such as with the written authorization of the victim (if major) or the next of kin (if the victim is deceased/minor) for specific purposes. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Section 300:** Defines **Murder**. (Note: 300A is not a standard IPC section; Article 300A in the Constitution refers to the Right to Property). * **Section 224:** Relates to resistance or obstruction by a person to his **lawful apprehension** (escaping from custody). * **Section 227:** Relates to the violation of conditions of **remission of punishment**. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Section 375 & 376 IPC:** Define Rape and its punishment, respectively. * **Section 164A CrPC:** Mandates the medical examination of a rape victim within 24 hours by a registered medical practitioner. * **Two-Finger Test:** The Supreme Court has strictly prohibited this test, stating it violates the victim's right to privacy and dignity. * **Consent:** Under the POCSO Act and recent IPC amendments, the age of consent is **18 years**. Any sexual act below this age is considered statutory rape, regardless of "consent."

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT used for procuring criminal abortion?

Accepted Answer

Ripe fruit of papaya

Answer

Saffron

Answer

Seeds of carrot

Answer

Unripe fruit of pineapple

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT true about gang rape?

Accepted Answer

Sexual intercourse by one person

Answer

Sexual intercourse by two persons

Answer

Sexual intercourse by three persons

Answer

Sexual intercourse by many persons

Question 3

In case of a rape victim, within how many days should a vaginal swab be taken?

Accepted Answer

3 days

Answer

2 days

Answer

4 days

Answer

7 days

Question 4

Quod Hanc is:

Accepted Answer

Psychological impotence

Answer

Impotence to all women

Answer

Legally impotent

Answer

Medically impotent

Question 5

A 16-year-old boy is accused of raping a 12-year-old girl. By which of the following findings can the boy prove his innocence?

Accepted Answer

Absence of blood and semen on clothes and genitalia.

Answer

No abrasion on the body and genitalia.

Answer

Absence of saliva on the cheek.

Answer

The boy's age being 16 years.

Question 6

Which abortifacient causes ototoxicity?

Accepted Answer

Quinine

Answer

Lead

Answer

Mercury

Answer

Ergot

Question 7

A person who may be impotent with one particular woman is called:

Accepted Answer

Quoad hoc

Answer

Frigidity

Answer

Atavistic form

Answer

None of the above

Question 8

Which of the following is not considered a crime?

Accepted Answer

Incest

Answer

Rape

Answer

Child Abuse

Answer

Indecent Assault

Question 9

The cribriform hymen is typically seen in which of the following states?

Accepted Answer

Nulliparous state (virgin)

Answer

Septate hymen

Answer

Sieve hymen

Answer

Postpartum state

Question 10

Which of the following sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) makes the printing or publication of the identity of the rape victim punishable?

Accepted Answer

Section 228 A

Answer

Section 300 A

Answer

Section 224 A

Answer

Section 227 A

Sexual Offences and Abortion — MCQs

Sexual Offences and Abortion — MCQs

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