Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which of these offences carries a statutory minimum sentence…

Under section 70(1) of the BNS (formerly section 376D IPC; before 2013, section 376(2)(g)), gang rape is punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than twenty years, which may extend to imprisonment for life meaning the remainder of the offender’s natural life, and fine; where the woman is under eighteen, section 70(2) prescribes imprisonment for the remainder of natural life or death. None of the other listed provisions prescribes a twenty-year minimum: section 118(2) (grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), section 310(2) (dacoity) and section 316(5) (criminal breach of trust by a public servant, banker, merchant or agent) each carry imprisonment for life or a term up to ten years, with fine.