
Section 375, or Rape, is a section of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, that defines the conditions under which a sexual offence can be defined as rape. The 2019 Indian Hindi-language legal thriller film Section 375: Will or Force? is based on this law. The film revolves around a rape case and explores the complexities of consent and power dynamics. It received positive reviews for its thought-provoking narrative and performances, sparking debates and discussions in India.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Section 375: Will or Force? |
| Description | Defines the conditions under which a sexual offence can be defined as rape |
| Year | 2019 |
| Genre | Legal thriller |
| Director | Ajay Bahl |
| Writer | Manish Gupta |
| Producer(s) | Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak |
| Starring | Akshaye Khanna, Richa Chadda, Meera Chopra, and Rahul Bhat |
| Release date | 13 September 2019 |
| Opening weekend collection | ₹80.4 million (US$950,000) |
| Total collection in India | ₹153 million (US$1.8 million) |
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What You'll Learn

Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code
According to the code, a man is said to commit "rape" if he penetrates:
- With or without consent, when the woman believes that he is her husband, given that she is either under a misconception or because she was induced by him through a deliberate misrepresentation.
- With or without consent, when the woman is not mentally sound or is intoxicated, and thus unable to understand the consequences of giving consent.
- With or without consent, when she is under eighteen years of age.
- With or without consent, when she is unable to communicate consent.
- With her consent, when the man knows he is not her husband, and her consent is given because she believes he is someone else to whom she is married.
- With her consent, when she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of that to which she is consenting due to unsoundness of mind, intoxication, or the administration of any stupefying substance.
- With or without her consent.
The 2019 Indian film "Section 375" is based on this section of the Indian Penal Code. The legal thriller revolves around a rape accusation, exploring the complexities of the law and public perception.
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What constitutes rape
Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 defines the conditions under which a sexual offence can be defined as rape.
According to Section 375, a man is said to commit rape if he penetrates a woman's vagina with his penis under any of the following circumstances:
Firstly, if he does so against her will, or without her consent. This includes when the woman is unable to communicate her consent or unwillingness due to the influence of substances or otherwise.
Secondly, if the woman consents because she believes the man is someone else, to whom she is or believes herself to be lawfully married.
Thirdly, if the woman is under eighteen years of age, with or without her consent.
The law makes it clear that subsequent sexual encounters with a woman without her consent constitute rape, even if there has been a prior consensual relationship.
The interpretation of Section 375 and its conditions has been the subject of debate and legal deliberation, with a focus on issues such as consent, revenge, and the influence of social perceptions.
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Consent and rape
Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, defines the conditions under which a sexual offence can be classified as rape. The law states that a man is said to commit rape if he penetrates a woman under any of the following circumstances:
- With or without her consent, when she is under eighteen years of age.
- When she is unable to communicate consent due to unsoundness of mind, intoxication, or the administration of any stupefying substance.
- When she gives consent because she believes the man to be her husband or someone else to whom she believes herself to be lawfully married.
- When she is unable to communicate consent.
The interpretation of consent is critical in understanding Section 375. Consent is defined as an unequivocal voluntary agreement communicated by the woman through words, gestures, or any form of verbal or non-verbal communication. The law recognises that consent must be given specifically for a sexual act, and a woman who does not physically resist is not necessarily providing consent.
The application of Section 375 and the issue of consent were central to the 2019 Indian film 'Section 375'. The legal thriller revolves around a rape accusation against a film director, Rohan Khurana, by an assistant costume designer, Anjali Dangle. In the film, the defence barrister argues that the sexual encounter was consensual and part of an affair, while the prosecutor contends that any sexual encounter without the woman's consent constitutes rape, even within a previously consensual relationship.
The film sparked debates and received praise for tackling a complex issue, examining both sides of the case, and adhering to the rule of law. It prompted discussions around the interpretation of consent, the impact of public perception, and the challenges faced by the legal system in adjudicating rape cases.
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Rape and age of consent
In India, Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, defines the offence of rape and the conditions under which a sexual offence can be defined as rape. The law states that a man is said to commit rape if he penetrates a woman under any of the following circumstances:
- With or without her consent, when she is under eighteen years of age.
- With her consent, when the man knows he is not her husband, and she consented because she believed him to be her husband or someone else to whom she thought she was lawfully married.
- With her consent, when due to unsoundness of mind, intoxication, or administration of any stupefying substance, she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of her consent.
- When she is unable to communicate consent.
The interpretation of Section 375 and its application in court cases have been the subject of debate and controversy in India. The 2019 Indian film "Section 375," a legal thriller, explores this very issue. The film revolves around a rape accusation against a prominent film director, Rohan Khurana, by his assistant costume designer, Anjali Dangle. In the film, the defence barrister argues that the encounter was consensual and part of an affair that had soured, while the prosecutor contends that any sexual encounter without the woman's consent constitutes rape, even if the couple had a previous consensual relationship.
The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its thought-provoking narrative, performances, and examination of both sides of the case. It sparked discussions and debates about the complexities of rape laws and consent, the influence of power dynamics, and the challenges faced in seeking justice.
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Rape and false accusations
India has seen a rise in false rape reports against men, with the Delhi Commission for Women reporting that 53% of rapes reported in the city in 2012-2013 were "false". However, it is important to note that the issue of false rape accusations is complex and multifaceted, and the reported numbers may not tell the whole story behind India's rape crisis. The low conviction rate in rape cases has led some to argue that rape laws are being misused in the country. This could be due to the under-reporting of rape, with traditional patriarchal structures downplaying violence against women, making it difficult for victims to come forward.
The phenomenon of false rape accusations in India has profound implications for both the accused and society as a whole. Those who are falsely accused may suffer from psychological trauma, social ostracization, and financial hardships. At the same time, gender biases and evolving relationship norms influenced by media narratives can also play a role in shaping public perception and driving false accusations.
The Indian legal system defines rape and the conditions under which a sexual offence can be defined as rape under Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code. This section outlines various scenarios in which sexual intercourse with or without consent is considered rape, including when the woman is unable to consent due to intoxication or when she is under the age of 18.
The film "Section 375" explores the complexities of a rape case and the legal system's handling of such cases. It depicts a court case where a prominent film director is accused of rape by an assistant costume designer. The film highlights the challenges of navigating false accusations and the impact of public perception and revenge in such sensitive cases.
In conclusion, while false rape accusations are a concern in India, it is crucial to address the broader issue of rape and the under-reporting of such crimes. The legal system must balance the need for justice for genuine victims with safeguards against the misuse of legal provisions. Enhancing support mechanisms for victims, protecting the falsely accused, and promoting societal awareness to combat stigma and misinformation are essential steps toward achieving justice and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
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Frequently asked questions
Section 375 in The Indian Penal Code, 1860, defines the conditions under which a sexual offence can be defined as rape.
The 2019 Indian Hindi-language legal thriller film 'Section 375' is based on the Indian Penal Code's Section 375. It revolves around a rape case and the subsequent legal proceedings.
According to Section 375, a man is said to commit "rape" if he penetrates a woman under certain circumstances, including:
- With or without her consent, when she is under eighteen years of age.
- When she is unable to communicate consent due to unsoundness of mind, intoxication, or the administration of any stupefying substance.
- When she gives consent because she believes the man to be someone else.
The film received positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for its writing, direction, and performances. It was termed a "powerful" and "compelling courtroom drama" that tackled a complex issue and opened up debates.



















