Sexual Offences and Abortion — MCQs

Sexual Offences and Abortion Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 231: Consider the following regarding examination of a rape victim: 1. Emergency pill is provided 2. Internal examination must be performed 3. HIV testing is done Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 2 only
C. 3 only
D. 1 and 3 only (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***1 and 3 only*** - **Emergency contraception** (emergency pill) is important to prevent unwanted pregnancy and should be offered and administered as soon as possible after sexual assault. - **HIV testing** is crucial for baseline assessment and to determine the need for **post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)** against HIV. *1, 2 and 3* - While emergency contraception and HIV testing are critical, **internal examination** is not always mandatory and should only be performed with the **explicit consent** of the victim, and only if considered medically necessary or for forensic evidence collection. - The victim has the right to refuse any part of the examination. *2 only* - This option is incorrect because, as explained, an **internal examination** is not mandatory and requires **informed consent**. - Emergency contraception and HIV testing are also vital components of care. *3 only* - This option is incomplete as it correctly identifies the importance of **HIV testing**, but misses the crucial role of **emergency contraception** in preventing pregnancy after sexual assault. - Both are critical aspects of immediate medical care.

Question 232: From a medico-legal perspective, in cases of sexual assault involving a female victim, what type of court proceeding is typically used to record medical evidence and testimony to protect the victim's privacy?

A. Open court proceedings
B. Closed court proceedings
C. Hearing at a different location
D. In camera proceedings (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***In camera proceedings*** - **In camera proceedings** (Latin for "in chambers") refer to court hearings conducted in **private**, with the public and media excluded, to protect the victim's privacy and dignity. - Under **Section 327(2) of CrPC**, cases of sexual offences against women must be conducted in camera to prevent further trauma and ensure the victim can provide testimony comfortably. - This legal provision ensures **confidentiality** of victim identity and prevents public disclosure of sensitive medical evidence and testimony. - The proceedings are still officially recorded and form part of the legal record, but occur in a closed, private setting. *Open court proceedings* - **Open court proceedings** allow public and media access, which would severely compromise the victim's privacy and cause additional psychological trauma. - Such public exposure is specifically prohibited in sexual assault cases under Indian law to protect the **victim's identity** and well-being. *Closed court proceedings* - While this term might seem similar, **"closed court"** is not the standard legal terminology used in Indian jurisprudence for sexual assault cases. - The specific term **"in camera"** is used in Section 327 CrPC and judicial pronouncements, making it the precise medico-legal answer. *Hearing at a different location* - Changing the location does not inherently provide the **legal framework** for privacy protection that in camera proceedings mandate. - This option lacks the formal legal status and procedural safeguards that Section 327 CrPC provides through in camera hearings.

Question 233: An 18 year old female was sexually assaulted by a 20 year old male. There was presence of stains on the clothes of the victim. Barberio's test was performed on the stains. Which of the following is detected by this test?

A. Choline
B. Acid phosphatase
C. Spermine (Correct Answer)
D. Fructose

Explanation: ***Spermine*** - The **Barberio's test** is a specific forensic test used to detect the presence of **spermine picrate crystals** when mixed with a picric acid solution. - The formation of yellow, needle-like crystals confirms the presence of **spermine**, a polyamine found in high concentrations in seminal fluid. *Choline* - While choline is present in semen, it is detected by the **Florence test**, which forms dark brown crystals. - The Barberio's test is not designed to detect choline. *Acid phosphatase* - **Acid phosphatase** is an enzyme found in high concentrations in seminal fluid and is detected by a different test, typically the **spot test with sodium alpha-naphthyl phosphate** and fast blue B dye. - This test is a presumptive test for semen but does not detect spermine. *Fructose* - **Fructose** is a sugar present in seminal fluid, providing energy for sperm. - Its detection involves specific biochemical tests, not the Barberio's test, which targets spermine.

Question 234: An unconscious 22-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by police after being found in a park. Physical examination reveals torn clothing and evidence of sexual assault. Which of the following is the most appropriate first step in collecting forensic evidence?

A. Contact law enforcement
B. Begin prophylactic antibiotics
C. Order toxicology screening
D. Document injuries photographically (Correct Answer)
E. Obtain written consent from family

Explanation: ***Document injuries photographically*** - **Photographing injuries** is a crucial first step in forensic evidence collection, as it provides objective visual documentation before any changes occur due to medical intervention or passage of time. - This method helps preserve the appearance and nature of injuries, which can be critical for **legal proceedings** and understanding the mechanism of injury. *Contact law enforcement* - While law enforcement must be contacted for sexual assault cases, the **immediate priority** is to secure and document forensic evidence **on the patient's person** before it is compromised. - Contacting law enforcement does not directly contribute to the **physical collection or preservation** of evidence from the victim. *Begin prophylactic antibiotics* - Prophylactic antibiotics are part of the **post-rape care protocol** but should be administered **after** forensic samples have been collected to avoid contamination or alteration of potential evidence. - Administering antibiotics early could potentially impact the ability to culture certain pathogens for evidence. *Order toxicology screening* - Toxicology screening is an important component of the overall assessment, especially given the patient's unconscious state and potential drug-facilitated assault. - However, **physical evidence of injury** on the body that could change or be lost is a more immediate priority for initial forensic documentation. *Obtain written consent from family* - For an unconscious adult, obtaining consent from family for medical treatment is generally required, but **forensic evidence collection** in cases of sexual assault can proceed without immediate family consent, especially when suspicion of a crime is high. - The immediate priority is the **preservation of time-sensitive evidence**, and delaying for family consent could compromise the collection process.

Question 235: Punishment for rape is given under which section of IPC: TN 09; FMGE 10; AI 10; Kerala 11

A. Sec. 320
B. Sec. 376 (Correct Answer)
C. Sec. 351
D. Sec. 375

Explanation: ***Sec. 376*** - **Section 376** of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) specifically deals with the **punishment for rape**. - This section outlines the various forms of punishment, including imprisonment for varying terms and fines, depending on the specifics of the crime. *Sec. 320* - **Section 320** of the IPC defines **grievous hurt**, outlining the types of injuries considered severe. - It does not pertain to the crime or punishment of rape. *Sec. 351* - **Section 351** of the IPC defines **assault**, which involves making a gesture or preparation with the intention or knowledge that it will cause apprehension of criminal force. - This section is unrelated to the offense of rape. *Sec. 375* - **Section 375** of the IPC defines what constitutes **rape**, detailing the circumstances under which sexual intercourse is considered an act of rape. - While it defines the act, it is **Section 376** that prescribes the punishment for it.

Question 236: Rape is defined under:

A. Sec. 320 IPC
B. Sec. 375 IPC (Correct Answer)
C. Sec. 351 IPC
D. Sec. 376 IPC

Explanation: ***Sec. 375 IPC*** - **Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)** specifically defines **rape**. It outlines the various circumstances under which a sexual act is considered rape, focusing on the absence of consent. - The section has been amended several times to broaden its scope and strengthen protections for victims, particularly after significant legal reforms. *Sec. 320 IPC* - **Section 320 IPC** defines **"Grievous Hurt,"** which includes severe injuries like emasculation or deprivation of any joint or part of the body. - This section deals with the classification of serious bodily harm, not sexual offenses. *Sec. 351 IPC* - **Section 351 IPC** defines **"Assault."** It refers to making any gesture or preparation intending or knowing it to be likely that such gesture or preparation will cause any person present to apprehend that he who makes it is about to use criminal force to him. - This section addresses acts that create an apprehension of immediate criminal force, not the act of rape itself. *Sec. 376 IPC* - **Section 376 IPC** deals with the **"Punishment for Rape."** While it is directly related to rape, it specifies the penalties for the offense, not its definition. - This section lays down the various terms of imprisonment and fines that can be imposed on a person convicted of rape, including aggravated forms of the crime.

Question 237: Death of an unborn child caused by an act of the parents is classified under which IPC section?

A. 314
B. 302
C. 316 (Correct Answer)
D. 300

Explanation: ***316*** - **Section 316 of the IPC** specifically deals with the act of causing the **death of a quick unborn child** by an act not amounting to culpable homicide. - This section applies when an act is done with the intention of causing the death of the unborn child, or with the knowledge that it is likely to cause its death, and such an act causes its demise before birth. *314* - **Section 314 of the IPC** pertains to death caused by an act done with intent to cause **miscarriage**. - This section differs because it focuses on acts aimed at miscarriage that result in the mother's death, not directly the unborn child's death as described in the question. *302* - **Section 302 of the IPC** deals with punishment for **murder**. - This section would not typically apply to the death of an unborn child as a separate entity since murder laws generally refer to the death of a born human being. *300* - **Section 300 of the IPC** defines **murder**. - Similar to Section 302, the definition of murder under this section generally refers to the killing of a **person who has been born**, making it inapplicable to the death of an unborn child in this specific context.

Question 238: Buggery is a term used commonly for

A. Buccal coitus
B. Sodomy (Correct Answer)
C. Tribadism
D. Bestiality

Explanation: ***Sodomy*** - **Buggery** is a term historically and legally used to refer to **sodomy**, specifically non-procreative sexual acts, often referring to **anal intercourse**. - In legal contexts, it broadly encompasses **unnatural sexual acts**, but its common usage often points towards anal sex. *Buccal coitus* - **Buccal coitus** refers to **oral sex** or fellatio, which involves the mouth and is distinct from the acts typically categorized as buggery. - While considered a non-procreative sexual act, it is not the act specifically denoted by the term **buggery**. *Tribadism* - **Tribadism** refers to sexual activity between **women**, typically involving vulva-to-vulva contact. - This term describes a specific form of sexual interaction between females and is not synonymous with **buggery**. *Bestiality* - **Bestiality** is sexual activity between a **human and an animal**. - This is a distinct and specific type of sexual act that is not commonly referred to as buggery, although both are considered **unnatural acts** in some legal and historical contexts.

Question 239: Defloration means:

A. Infertility
B. Loss of virginity (Correct Answer)
C. Rape
D. Virginity

Explanation: ***Loss of virginity*** - **Defloration** refers to the rupture of the **hymen**, typically occurring during first vaginal penetration - The term indicates the **loss of virginity** and is primarily used in **medico-legal contexts** to describe the anatomical change associated with first sexual intercourse - In forensic medicine, examination for defloration involves assessment of **hymenal integrity** *Infertility* - **Infertility** is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse - This is a **medical condition** related to reproductive capacity and has **no connection** to virginity status or first sexual intercourse *Rape* - **Rape** is a non-consensual sexual act involving penetration without consent - While defloration may occur during rape, the term **defloration itself does not imply consent or non-consent** - Rape is a **criminal act**, whereas defloration is a **descriptive anatomical term** *Virginity* - **Virginity** is the **state** of never having engaged in sexual intercourse - This represents the **pre-defloration state**, not the act of losing it - Virginity is the condition; defloration is the **process of ending** that condition

Question 240: Which of the following does not categorize under rape? Sexual intercourse with -

A. Wife below 15 years
B. Women below 18 years
C. Wife above 15 years (Correct Answer)
D. Women above 18 years

Explanation: ***Wife above 15 years*** - As per **IPC Section 375 Exception 2 (amended 2013)**, sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, the wife **not being under 15 years of age**, is not rape. - This is the **marital rape exception** under Indian law, which excludes marital sexual intercourse from the definition of rape when the wife is **15 years or above**. - Therefore, this scenario does **NOT categorize as rape** under current Indian law. *Wife below 15 years* - Sexual intercourse with one's own wife **below 15 years of age** is considered **rape** under IPC Section 375. - The law specifically removes the marital exemption when the wife is under 15, recognizing the need to protect child brides. - This constitutes **statutory rape** due to the victim's age. *Women below 18 years* - Sexual intercourse with any female **below 18 years** (who is not one's wife above 15) constitutes **statutory rape** under IPC Section 375. - The **age of consent in India is 18 years**; any sexual act with a girl below this age is rape regardless of consent. - The victim's **lack of legal capacity to consent** makes this a punishable offense. *Women above 18 years* - If sexual intercourse occurs **without her consent**, it unequivocally constitutes **rape** under IPC Section 375. - Consent must be **free, voluntary, and unequivocal**; forced or coerced intercourse is rape. - This applies to all women above 18, whether married or unmarried (except within marriage per the marital rape exception).

Practice by Chapter

Sexual Assault Examination

Practice Questions

Rape Investigation

Practice Questions

Child Sexual Abuse

Practice Questions

Collection of Biological Evidence

Practice Questions

DNA Testing in Sexual Offences

Practice Questions

False Allegations

Practice Questions

Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Practice Questions

Criminal Abortion

Practice Questions

Complications of Abortion

Practice Questions

Sexual Perversions

Practice Questions

Legal Aspects of Sexual Offences

Practice Questions

Victim Support and Rehabilitation

Practice Questions

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free