Question

In the light of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013, which of the following statement is/are correct?

• A. The word “rape” in section 375 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 has been replaced with sexual assault
• B. Rape is now a gender neutral offence
• C. The amendment has fixed the age for consensual sex as 16 years
• D. All the above

Hint:

After the 2013 amendment, the definition of rape was broadened, and the age of consent was fixed at 18 years.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Amendment study.
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 did not replace the word “rape” with “sexual assault.” Instead, it expanded the definition of rape but retained the term “rape.”
Step 2: Gender neutrality.
Rape is still not gender neutral in India; only a man can be accused, and only a woman can be a victim under Section 375 IPC.
Step 3: Age of consent.
The age of consent was raised from 16 to 18 years, not fixed at 16.
Step 4: Correct interpretation.
Thus, only option (a) is partially misstated—technically, the amendment broadened “rape,” but options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.