BNS Section 113
What is the punishment for a terrorist act in India?
Short answer
If death occurs, the offender faces death or life imprisonment and a fine; otherwise, at least five years up to life imprisonment and a fine.
In detail
Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 defines a terrorist act as any act intended to threaten India's unity, security, or economic stability, or to cause death, injury, property damage, disruption of essential services, or to coerce the government, using weapons, explosives, hazardous substances, or force. When a person commits such an act and it results in death, the law mandates the death penalty or life imprisonment, together with a fine. If no death occurs, the punishment is imprisonment for a minimum of five years, which may extend to life, also with a fine. The same minimum‑to‑life imprisonment and fine apply to anyone who conspires, attempts, abets, advises, or facilitates a terrorist act, as well as to those who organize training camps, recruit participants, or belong to a terrorist organisation. Additionally, anyone who knowingly shelters a terrorist faces at least three years’ imprisonment, up to life, plus a fine.
Related questions
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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.