BNS Section 311
What is the minimum jail term for a robbery that involves a weapon or causes injury?
Short answer
The law requires at least seven years' imprisonment.
In detail
Section 311 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 says that when a person commits robbery or dacoity and, during that act, uses any deadly weapon, causes serious bodily injury (grievous hurt), or tries to cause death or serious injury, the punishment cannot be less than seven years in prison. This means the court must impose a minimum of seven years behind bars for such aggravated offences. The judge may decide on a longer term if the circumstances warrant it, but the sentence can never be shorter than seven years. The provision applies to both robbery and dacoity, which are forms of theft involving force or threat. It is intended to deter the use of lethal force or the infliction of severe harm during theft, protecting public safety by ensuring a strong punitive response.
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 the court impose a longer sentence than seven years for such robbery?
- What is considered a 'deadly weapon' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
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.