BNS Section 333
What is the punishment for house‑trespass after planning to hurt someone?
Short answer
Up to seven years in prison and a fine.
In detail
Section 333 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 says that if a person enters a house after making preparations to cause hurt, to assault, to restrain someone wrongfully, or to put anyone in fear of such acts, that person commits a crime. The law treats the combination of trespassing and the prior preparation as a serious offence. The punishment prescribed is imprisonment that may last as long as seven years, and the court may also order the offender to pay a fine. The same provision also mentions that dishonestly breaking open a container that holds property is covered, meaning that similar dishonest acts can attract the same penalty. The section does not limit the fine amount, leaving it to the court's discretion, and the imprisonment term can be any length up to the maximum of seven years depending on the case facts.
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 penalty for dishonestly breaking open a receptacle containing property?
- Does house‑trespass without any preparation carry a different punishment?
- Can the imprisonment term be less than seven years for this offence?
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.