Whoever hires, employs or engages any person below the age of eighteen years to commit an offence shall be punished with imprisonment of either description or fine provided for that offence as if the offence has been committed by such person himself.
Explanation.—Hiring, employing, engaging or using a child for sexual exploitation or pornography is covered within the meaning of this section
Classification of Offence as per Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
- Punishment:
- Hiring, employing or engaging a child to commit an offence: Imprisonment for not less than 3 years but which may extend to 10 years and fine
- If offence be committed: Same as for the offence committed
- Cognizable
- Non–Bailable
- Triable by Magistrate of the first class