BNS Section 324
What punishment can someone face for causing damage to property?
Short answer
Depending on the damage amount and type, mischief can lead to up to five years’ imprisonment, fines, or both.
In detail
Mischief is any act that destroys or damages property, even if the property does not belong to the victim. The law says that if a person intentionally or knowingly causes loss or damage to any property, they are guilty of mischief. The punishment depends on how much damage was done. For small damage, the maximum jail time is six months. If the damage is to government or local authority property, the maximum is one year. If the loss is between ₹20,000 and ₹99,999, the maximum jail time is two years. If the loss is ₹100,000 or more, the maximum is five years. If the person was preparing to cause death, serious injury or fear of such harm, the maximum is also five years and a fine may be added. The law also says that a person can commit mischief by damaging property that belongs to them or that they share with others. For instance, if someone destroys a vehicle they own to prevent a creditor from seizing it, that is mischief. Similarly, throwing a valuable item into a river to deny the owner its use is mischief.
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 mischief be committed if the property belongs to the person who caused it?
- What happens if the damage caused is less than ₹20,000?
- Does mischief include destroying property to avoid debt repayment?
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.