IPC 388 vs BNS 388 – Extortion by Threat to Life, Injury, or Property
Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Section: IPC 388
Extortion by threat to cause death or grievous hurt, or destruction of property
About IPC Section
Section 388 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with extortion by threatening to cause death, grievous hurt, or destruction of property. This section extends the scope of extortion to include threats not only to persons but also to property, recognizing the broader harm caused by coercion.
Key points:
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Applies when a person induces delivery of property by threatening death, grievous hurt, or destruction of property.
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Punishment: Rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years and fine.
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Emphasizes protection against coercive threats affecting life, health, or property.
For example, threatening to burn down someone’s house unless they hand over money constitutes an offence under IPC 388. The law ensures deterrence against serious threats and holds perpetrators accountable for both personal and property-related extortion.
Section: BNS 388
Extortion by threat to cause death or grievous hurt, or destruction of property
About BNS Section
Section 388 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 388. It punishes acts where a person induces property delivery through threats of death, grievous hurt, or property destruction, maintaining the same legal definitions and punishments.
Key points:
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Protects individuals and their property from coercive threats.
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Punishment remains rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years and fine.
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Covers acts involving fear or threat to life, health, or property to extort.
For instance, threatening to harm someone’s family or burn their house unless they pay money falls under BNS 388. This provision ensures legal deterrence against serious extortion, fully aligning with IPC 388.