Sexual Offences and Abortion — MCQs

An 11-year-old female in the school was brought to the principal by a teacher because she is always crying, unattentive, and not taking an interest in any activity. On further investigation, the girl revealed that she was inappropriately touched by her uncle on her private parts at her home. To whom should the principal report this incident?

Sexual Offences and Abortion Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 281: A hymen that can accommodate penetration without tearing is:

A. Annular
B. Elastic (Correct Answer)
C. Semilunar
D. Imperforate

Explanation: ***Elastic*** - An **elastic hymen** contains more elastic tissue, allowing it to stretch and accommodate penetration without tearing. - This type of hymen may or may not bleed during initial penetration, and its presence does not necessarily indicate virginity. *Annular* - An **annular hymen** is one of the most common types, characterized by a circular shape with a central opening. - While it can be stretched, an annular hymen is more likely to tear during initial penetration compared to an elastic hymen. *Semilunar* - A **semilunar hymen** has an opening that is crescent-shaped, often thicker at the bottom and thinner at the top. - Like the annular hymen, a semilunar hymen typically tears or stretches significantly with initial penetration, making tearing more likely than a purely elastic hymen. *Imperforate* - An **imperforate hymen** completely covers the vaginal opening, with no central perforation. - This condition prevents menstrual flow and absolutely cannot accommodate penetration, often requiring surgical intervention.

Question 282: Following are the early causes of death in criminal abortion except?

A. Fat embolism
B. Hemorrhage
C. Septicemia (Correct Answer)
D. Vagal inhibition

Explanation: ***Septicemia*** - **Septicemia** (severe infection) is typically a *delayed* cause of death in criminal abortions, developing hours to days after the initial injury. - It results from ascending infection due to unsterile procedures or retained products of conception, not an immediate consequence. *Fat embolism* - **Fat embolism** can occur *early* due to the introduction of foreign substances (e.g., oils, soaps) under pressure into the uterine veins, leading to embolization in the lungs. - This causes acute cardiovascular collapse and rapid death. *Hemorrhage* - **Hemorrhage** is a common *early* cause of death due to direct trauma to the uterus, cervix, or blood vessels during the abortion procedure. - Significant blood loss can lead to hypovolemic shock and rapid fatality. *Vagal inhibition* - **Vagal inhibition** (neurogenic shock) can occur *early* due to painful cervical dilation or manipulation, triggering a strong vagal response. - This leads to severe bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest.

Question 283: Disclosure of name of rape victim punishable under

A. Sec. 354 IPC
B. Sec. 304-A IPC
C. Sec. 228-A IPC (Correct Answer)
D. Sec. 376 IPC

Explanation: ***Sec. 228-A IPC*** - This section of the **Indian Penal Code** specifically deals with the **disclosure of the identity of the victim of certain offences**, including sexual assault (rape). - It makes it a punishable offense to publish or make known the name, address, or any other matter that may lead to the identification of a person against whom an offense under sections 376, 376A, 376AB, 376B, 376C, 376D, 376DA, 376DB or 376E of the IPC has been committed. *Sec. 354 IPC* - This section refers to **assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty**. - It deals with the act itself and the associated punishment, not with the subsequent disclosure of the victim's identity. *Sec. 304-A IPC* - This section deals with **causing death by negligence**. - It is entirely unrelated to sexual offenses or the disclosure of victim identities. *Sec. 376 IPC* - This section defines and prescribes punishment for the offense of **rape**. - While directly related to the act of rape, it does not cover the offense of disclosing the victim's identity.

Question 284: In forensic medicine, false virgin refers to:

A. Hymen is torn but woman had sexual intercourse 10 years ago
B. Hymen is torn but woman has never had sexual intercourse
C. Hymen is intact but woman has had sexual intercourse (Correct Answer)
D. None of the above

Explanation: ***Hymen is intact but woman has had sexual intercourse*** - This term describes a situation where the **hymen is anatomically intact**, yet the individual has previously engaged in **sexual intercourse**. - This can occur due to a very **elastic hymen**, the use of **small tampons**, or if the hymen is **naturally fenestrated** (having openings). *Hymen is torn but woman had sexual intercourse 10 years ago* - A torn hymen, regardless of the timing of intercourse, no longer presents the physical characteristic often associated with virginity. - This scenario would not be considered a "false virgin" as the physical sign of virginity (intact hymen) is absent. *Hymen is torn but woman has never had sexual intercourse* - A torn hymen in a person who has never had sexual intercourse indicates that the hymen was torn due to non-coital activities, such as **physical activity** or **trauma**. - This situation is simply a "non-virgin" by hymeneal status, not a "false virgin." *None of the above* - As "Hymen is intact but woman has had sexual intercourse" accurately defines a false virgin, this option is incorrect.

Question 285: Sexual intercourse with an animal by human is called

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

Explanation: **Bestiality** - **Bestiality** refers to sexual activity between a human and an animal. - This term is often used in legal and psychological contexts to describe such acts. *Sodomy* - **Sodomy** historically referred to "unnatural" sexual acts, often encompassing anal sex or sex with animals. - In modern legal contexts, especially in many Western countries, laws against sodomy have been repealed or reinterpreted to apply only to non-consensual acts or those involving minors, and it no longer specifically or exclusively refers to sex with animals. *Tribadism* - **Tribadism** specifically describes a form of sexual activity between two women, typically involving vulva-to-vulva contact. - It does not involve animals or male-female sexual interaction. *Lesbianism* - **Lesbianism** is a term used to describe homosexual women. - It refers to the sexual and romantic attraction between women and does not involve animals.

Question 286: In a child who has been raped, the hymen:

A. May be perforated due to trauma. (Correct Answer)
B. May be perforated if it were superficial.
C. Will be intact due to its anatomical position.
D. Will be intact because it is deep situated

Explanation: ***May be perforated due to trauma.*** - The **hymen is a delicate membrane** that can be easily torn or perforated during sexual assault, especially with forceful penetration. - While hymenal tears are a strong indicator of sexual abuse, a lack of tears does not definitively rule out assault, as the hymen can be **elastic or already have natural openings**. *May be perforated if it were superficial.* - The **depth or superficiality of the hymen** is not the primary determinant of whether it will perforate during rape. - The force and nature of penile or foreign object penetration are more significant factors than its anatomical position for perforation. *Will be intact due to its anatomical position.* - The **hymen's anatomical position near the vaginal opening** makes it vulnerable to physical trauma during sexual assault. - Due to its delicate nature, it is often among the first structures to show signs of injury from forced penetration. *Will be intact because it is deep situated* - The hymen is typically located at the **entrance of the vagina**, not deep within it, making it susceptible to injury during sexual penetration. - Its relative position means it is frequently affected by trauma associated with rape, rather than being protected by depth.

Question 287: Non-consensual sodomy is punishable under:

A. Sec. 375 IPC
B. Sec. 376 IPC
C. Sec. 377 IPC (Correct Answer)
D. Sec. 354 IPC

Explanation: ***Sec. 377 IPC*** - **Historically correct answer**: At the time of NEET 2014, **Section 377 IPC** was commonly cited for non-consensual sodomy, as it criminalized "carnal intercourse against the order of nature." - **Important legal update**: The **Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013** expanded the definition of rape under **Section 375 IPC** to include all forms of non-consensual penetrative sexual assault (vaginal, oral, urethral, or anal penetration), effectively bringing non-consensual sodomy under the rape provisions. - **Current position**: While the Supreme Court in **Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)** decriminalized consensual homosexual acts, **non-consensual sodomy remains punishable** under **Sections 375/376 IPC** (as rape) and potentially under Section 377 for specific contexts. - For this historical PYQ, Section 377 was the accepted answer, though modern prosecutions typically use Section 376. *Sec. 375 IPC* - **Section 375 IPC** defines **rape**, and post-2013 amendment, it explicitly includes non-consensual anal penetration (sodomy). - The expanded definition covers penetration "to any extent" of vagina, urethra, anus, or mouth, or any object insertion. - This makes it the primary section for prosecuting non-consensual sodomy in current practice. *Sec. 376 IPC* - **Section 376 IPC** provides the **punishment for rape** as defined under Section 375. - Post-2013, this section is frequently used to punish non-consensual sodomy cases. - Punishment ranges from 7 years to life imprisonment depending on circumstances. *Sec. 354 IPC* - **Section 354 IPC** addresses **assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty** of a woman. - This is a lesser offense involving inappropriate touching or gestures, not penetrative sexual assault. - Not applicable to non-consensual sodomy cases.

Question 288: Under which section of the Indian Penal Code is sodomy addressed?

A. Section 354 IPC (Assault on women)
B. Section 378 IPC (Theft)
C. Section 375 IPC (Rape)
D. Section 377 IPC (Unnatural offenses) (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Section 377 IPC (Unnatural offenses)*** - This section of the Indian Penal Code specifically addressed **unnatural offenses**, which historically included **sodomy**. - Although parts of this section concerning consensual same-sex acts have been decriminalized, it still pertains to non-consensual sexual acts and bestiality. *Section 354 IPC (Assault on women)* - This section deals with **assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty**. - It is specifically focused on offenses against women and does not cover the act of sodomy. *Section 378 IPC (Theft)* - This section defines the offense of **theft**, which involves dishonestly taking any movable property out of the possession of any person without that person's consent. - It is entirely unrelated to sexual offenses or sodomy. *Section 375 IPC (Rape)* - This section defines and outlines the punishment for **rape**, primarily focusing on non-consensual penile-vaginal penetration, though amendments have broadened its scope. - While a serious sexual offense, it is distinct from the specific acts historically covered under sodomy.

Question 289: In sexual assault of a child, the hymen is usually not ruptured due to:

A. Distensible
B. Too tough to rupture
C. Underdeveloped
D. Deep seated (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Deep seated*** - In prepubertal children, the hymen is **deep-seated within the vaginal orifice**, positioned well inside the vaginal opening - This anatomical location provides **natural protection** from external trauma - The deep position means that superficial contact may not reach the hymenal tissue - This is the **classical forensic medicine teaching** regarding preservation of hymen in child sexual assault cases *Incorrect: Distensible* - While the child's hymen is indeed elastic and distensible (which also contributes to non-rupture), this is not the primary reason cited in forensic literature - Distensibility is a secondary protective factor *Incorrect: Too tough to rupture* - The prepubertal hymen is **not particularly tough or thick** - In fact, it is relatively thin and delicate compared to post-pubertal hymen - Toughness is not the protective mechanism *Incorrect: Underdeveloped* - The hymen is present and developed in children, just positioned differently - "Underdeveloped" does not explain the protection from rupture - The issue is **anatomical position**, not developmental status

Question 290: An 11-year-old female in the school was brought to the principal by a teacher because she is always crying, unattentive, and not taking an interest in any activity. On further investigation, the girl revealed that she was inappropriately touched by her uncle on her private parts at her home. To whom should the principal report this incident?

A. Child welfare
B. Parents
C. Police (Correct Answer)
D. Magistrate

Explanation: ***Police*** - Under the **POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act), 2012, Section 19(1)**, the principal and teacher are **mandated reporters** who have a legal obligation to report any knowledge or suspicion of child sexual abuse to the **local police or Special Juvenile Police Unit**. - Failure to report such cases is a punishable offense under POCSO Act, with imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine. - The police are responsible for **immediate investigation** of the criminal offense and ensuring the child's safety. - The police will then coordinate with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) as required under the Juvenile Justice Act. *Child welfare* - While the **Child Welfare Committee (CWC)** plays an important role in child protection under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, the **primary and immediate legal obligation** under POCSO is to report to the **police**. - The CWC becomes involved either through police referral or parallel reporting, but they are **not the first point of contact** for reporting criminal sexual offenses. - Child welfare agencies work on rehabilitation and protection, whereas police handle the criminal investigation. *Parents* - Since the perpetrator is the **uncle (family member)**, reporting to parents first could compromise the investigation or further endanger the child. - Parents may be in denial, protective of the family member, or unaware of the severity. - POCSO Act mandates reporting to **authorities (police)**, not to family members. *Magistrate* - A magistrate is a **judicial officer** involved in legal proceedings after police investigation and filing of chargesheet. - They issue orders, record statements under Section 164 CrPC, and conduct trials. - They are **not the appropriate authority** for the initial mandatory report of child sexual abuse.

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

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