IPC 387 vs BNS 387
● Retained in BNSPutting person in fear of death or grievous hurt in order to commit extortion
Section 387 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, defines extortion by putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt. This section emphasizes intentional creation of fear to obtain property, highlighting the seriousness of threats to life or severe injury in coercive acts.
Key points:
-
Applies when a person induces delivery of property by threatening death or grievous hurt.
-
Core element: fear must be intentionally caused to obtain property.
-
Punishment: Rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years and fine.
For example, threatening a person with serious injury unless they hand over valuable property constitutes an offence under IPC 387. The law ensures protection from coercive threats that endanger life or cause serious harm, reinforcing accountability for offenders.
Putting person in fear of death or grievous hurt in order to commit extortion
Section 387 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 387. It punishes acts where a person induces property transfer by threatening death or grievous hurt, maintaining the same legal definitions and punishment as IPC 387.
Key points:
-
Protects individuals from extortion involving threats to life or serious injury.
-
Punishment remains rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years and fine.
-
Covers acts where fear of death or grievous hurt is used to compel property delivery.
For instance, forcing someone to hand over money under threat of lethal harm falls under BNS 387. This provision ensures strong deterrence against life-threatening extortion, fully aligning with IPC 387.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 387 to BNS BNS 387.