BNS Section 129
Is pushing someone without their consent considered criminal force under Indian law?
Short answer
Yes, intentionally pushing a person without consent and intending or likely to cause injury, fear or annoyance is criminal force.
In detail
The law says that if a person deliberately uses any kind of force on another person without that person's permission, it is called criminal force. This applies when the force is used to help commit another crime, or when the person knows or expects that the force will probably cause the other person to be hurt, frightened, or annoyed. "Force" is not limited to a direct push; it can include moving a vehicle, stopping a carriage, throwing an object, pulling a veil, pouring hot water, or even making a dog attack. In every case, the key elements are the intention to use force, the lack of consent from the victim, and the purpose or likely result of injury, fear, or annoyance. If all these conditions are met, the act is punishable as criminal force under Section 129 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
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.
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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.