BNS Section 87
Is kidnapping a woman to force marriage punishable up to 10 years?
Short answer
Yes, it can lead to up to ten years in prison and a fine.
In detail
Section 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 makes it a crime to kidnap or abduct any woman when the purpose is to force her to marry someone against her will, or to compel her into illicit sexual activity. The law also covers situations where a person uses threats, abuse of authority, or any other form of pressure to make a woman leave a place with the intention that she will be forced or seduced into illicit intercourse. In either case, the offender faces imprisonment that may extend to ten years and is also liable to pay a fine. The provision further mentions that causing a miscarriage or related harms falls under the same punitive framework, although the exact details are not spelled out in the excerpt. This section aims to protect women from being taken against their will for marriage or sexual exploitation and ensures that those who commit such acts are subject to severe legal consequences.
Related questions
What actions are defined as 'hurt' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Can a husband be forced to financially support his wife, children, or parents if he refuses?
Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
If I accidentally hurt a consenting adult during a game, can I be criminally liable?
No, you are not criminally liable if the act was not intended to cause death or serious injury and the adult gave consent.
Can I defend myself even if it might harm a child nearby?
Yes, the law permits you to use private defence even if it risks harming an innocent person during a deadly assault.
People also ask
- What penalty applies for using criminal intimidation to force a woman into illicit intercourse?
- Does the law treat kidnapping for forced marriage differently from kidnapping for sexual exploitation?
- Are there separate punishments for causing miscarriage under this section?
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.