BNS Section 110
What is the punishment for attempting to kill someone?
Short answer
You may face up to 3 years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
In detail
Section 110 deals with people who try to kill someone but the victim survives. If the act you do could have caused death, you are punished as if you had committed a lesser form of homicide. The law says you may be jailed for up to three years, fined, or both. If the act also hurts the victim, the penalty can rise to seven years, a fine, or both. The section uses the phrase “culpable homicide not amounting to murder” to describe the offence. The example in the text shows a man who, in a sudden quarrel, fires a gun at another person. Even though the victim did not die, the man is guilty of the offence because his act could have killed him. The law therefore treats the attempt the same way it treats the actual act that would have caused death.
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 culpable homicide and murder?
- Can I be charged if I only hurt someone but didn't intend to kill?
- What is the punishment if I actually kill someone?
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.