BNS Section 142
What are the penalties for hiding a kidnapped person?
Short answer
You can be punished as if you had kidnapped or abducted the person, with the same penalties.
In detail
If you know that someone has been taken against their will—kidnapped or abducted—and you hide or keep that person in confinement, the law treats you as if you had performed the kidnapping or abduction yourself. The same penalties that apply to the original abductor also apply to you. The law looks at your knowledge of the kidnapping, your intention to hide the person, and the purpose behind keeping them confined. In other words, the act of concealing or confining a kidnapped person is treated as a full kidnapping or abduction, with identical punishment. This means that even if you did not physically take the person, you can still face the same criminal consequences for hiding them.
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
- Can I be charged if I unknowingly hide a kidnapped person?
- What is the difference between kidnapping and concealing a kidnapped person?
- What is the punishment for kidnapping versus concealing a kidnapped person?
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.