1. Rape: A criminal act involving non-consensual sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration, often accompanied by violence, threat, or coercion.
2. Consent An agreement or permission given voluntarily, without force, manipulation, or duress, for sexual activity or any other action.
3. IPC (Indian Penal Code): The main criminal code of India, which defines offences, prescribes punishments, and regulates criminal law. It was enacted in 1860 and remains the primary law governing criminal offences in India.
4. Custodial Rape: A form of sexual assault in which the perpetrator is a person in authority, such as a police officer or a jail official, who abuses their position to sexually assault someone in their custody.
5. Statutory Rape: A form of sexual intercourse or activity involving a minor (under the legal age of consent), even if the minor agrees to it. It is considered rape by law due to the minor's inability to legally consent.
6. Sexual Assault: A broad term encompassing various forms of sexual offenses, including unwanted sexual touching, groping, or other physical sexual acts without consent.
7. Gender-neutral: Refers to language, policies, or practices that do not discriminate based on gender or sex, promoting equality and inclusivity for all genders.
8. Aggravated Offense: A crime that is considered more severe due to certain circumstances, such as the involvement of violence, the victim's vulnerability, or the perpetrator's prior criminal record.
9. Criminal Law Amendment: Changes or modifications made to existing criminal laws to address emerging issues or to improve the enforcement of justice, such as updating definitions, punishment provisions, or adding new crimes.
10. POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act): A law in India designed to protect children from sexual abuse, assault, and exploitation. It provides specific legal measures to protect children and prosecute offenders who commit sexual offences against minors.