Report No. 84

2.17. Fear of agony.-

With reference to section 375, third clause of the Indian Penal Code, a suggestion has been made to add the following words:-

"or of physical or mental agony to herself or to her nearest blood relations, including her husband if she is married."

We are of the view that the expansion of the third clause which we contemplate, namely, its extension to cover any "injury", amply takes care of the type of cases for which this suggestion is intended. "Injury" as defined in section 44 includes, inter alia, harm illegally cause in body or mind.

1. Mrs. Sushila Adivarekar, M.P. (Rajya Sabha).