Prevention Strategies

Infanticide: Indian Legal Lens - Legal Labyrinth

• No distinct "infanticide" offence in India.
• Prosecuted under:
  • BNS Section 103 (Murder): If pre-meditated intent to kill.
  • BNS Section 105 (Culpable Homicide): If lesser intent/knowledge.
• Related Offences:
  • BNS Section 84: Concealment of birth (secret disposal of body).
  • BNS Section 83: Abandonment of child under 12 years by parent or person having care of the child, with intention of wholly abandoning the child.
  • BNS Section 80: Causing death by negligence (may apply in neglect cases).

⭐ Under Indian law, infanticide (killing of a child after live birth) is generally prosecuted under BNS Section 103 (Murder) or Section 105 (Culpable Homicide), depending on intent and circumstances, not as a separate specific 'infanticide' offence.

Roots of Infanticide - Tragic Triggers

• Socio-Cultural & Economic:

  • 📌 Poverty, Patriarchy (strong son preference), Dowry burden.
  • Illiteracy, low female education levels.
  • Social stigma: unwed mothers, child with disability.
  • Harmful traditional customs, superstitious beliefs.

  ⭐ Strong son preference and the dowry system are significant socio-cultural drivers contributing to female infanticide in certain regions of India. While the term "infant" clinically refers to a child up to one year, legal definitions under BNS often focus on the immediate post-birth period (neonaticide for first 24 hours).

• Parental Psychological States:

  • Postpartum mental illness (PPD, PPP); maternal psychopathology.
  • Unwanted/illegitimate pregnancy; pregnancy denial.
  • Severe psychosocial stress, poor social & familial support.
  • Parental psychopathology: schizophrenia, personality disorders, substance abuse.
  • Parental history of childhood abuse or neglect.

  💡 Mothers are more likely to commit infanticide, especially neonaticide. BNS provisions require consideration of the mother's psychological state and postpartum psychiatric illness during legal proceedings.

• Child-Specific Factors:

  • Female gender (targeted due to son preference).
  • Congenital anomalies, significant chronic illness.
  • Child perceived as an economic or emotional burden.

• Situational & Systemic Issues:

  • Limited access: contraception, safe MTP services, healthcare.
  • Marital discord, domestic violence, unstable family.
  • Extreme socio-economic deprivation and resource scarcity.

  ⚠️ BNSS procedures emphasize need for humane approach considering gender inequality and weak public health infrastructure in infanticide cases.

Prevention Pillars - Prevention Power-Plays

Infanticide prevention requires a multi-sectoral approach, targeting root causes and providing robust support systems.

Key Strategic Areas (📌 SHeLter: Societal, Healthcare, Legal):

Intervention Flow for At-Risk Mothers/Families:

• Focus Areas for Intervention:
  • Addressing unwanted pregnancies, lack of family support.
  • Early ID & management of postpartum mental illness.
  • Combating sex-selective practices.
  • Safe alternatives for vulnerable mothers (adoption, cradle baby schemes).

💡 BNS 2023 provides enhanced legal protection with updated sections addressing child abandonment and infanticide, supported by BNSS procedural safeguards and BSA evidence standards for comprehensive forensic documentation.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

• Socio-economic development and poverty alleviation are fundamental preventive measures.
• Female education and women's empowerment combat deep-rooted gender bias.
• Strict enforcement of PCPNDT Act to prevent sex-selective abortions is paramount.
• Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021 ensures access to safe, legal abortions, reducing desperate acts.
• Improving maternal & child healthcare, including institutional deliveries & postnatal care.
• Public awareness campaigns to change mindsets regarding the girl child.
• Strengthening child protection services & support systems for vulnerable mothers.