BNS Section 332
What is the punishment for trespassing into a house to commit a crime?
Short answer
The penalty depends on the seriousness of the intended crime, ranging from up to 2 years to life imprisonment plus a fine, with higher terms for theft.
In detail
Section 332 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 deals with entering a house without permission when the purpose is to commit another offence. If the intended offence is one that carries the death penalty, the trespass itself can attract life imprisonment or rigorous imprisonment for up to ten years, together with a fine. When the intended offence is punishable by life imprisonment, the trespass is punishable with any description of imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, plus a fine. If the intended offence is punishable only by imprisonment, the trespass carries imprisonment of either description for up to two years and a fine. An additional provision states that if the intended offence is theft, the imprisonment term may be extended to seven years. The law therefore scales the punishment for house‑trespass according to how serious the planned crime is, ensuring a fine is also imposed in every case.
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
- Does house trespass for theft carry a higher penalty?
- Are fines mandatory for house‑trespass offences?
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.