BNS Section 119
What are the penalties for causing hurt to extort property?
Short answer
You can face up to ten years in prison and a fine for hurt, or life imprisonment for grievous hurt.
In detail
If you voluntarily cause someone physical pain in order to take their property or force them to do something illegal, the law treats that as a serious offence. For ordinary hurt, the court can sentence you to up to ten years behind bars and also impose a monetary fine. If the pain you caused is severe enough to be called grievous hurt, the punishment is harsher: you could be sentenced to life in prison or, at the judge’s discretion, up to ten years plus a fine. In both situations, the law requires a fine in addition to any jail time. The law covers both the act of hurting someone and the act of making them do something illegal, so both are punishable under the same section.
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 is the difference between hurt and grievous hurt under this law?
- Can I be fined even if I only caused hurt?
- What constitutes "extorting property"?
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.