Whoever buys, hires or otherwise obtains possession of any child below the age of eighteen years with intent that such person shall at any age be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution or illicit intercourse with any person or for any unlawful and immoral purpose, or knowing it to be likely that such child will at any age be employed or used for any such purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to fourteen years, and shall also be
liable to fine.

Explanation 1.—Any prostitute or any person keeping or managing a brothel, who buys, hires or otherwise obtains possession of a female under the age of eighteen years shall, until the contrary is proved, be presumed to have obtained possession of such female with the intent that she shall be used for the purpose of prostitution.

Explanation 2.—“Illicit intercourse” has the same meaning as in section 96.

Classification of Offence as per Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)

• Punishment:
  • Imprisonment for not less than 7 years but which may extend to 14 years and fine.
• Cognizable
• Non-Bailable
• Triable by Court of Session.