BNS Section 140
What punishment does kidnapping for ransom carry under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Short answer
Kidnapping for ransom can attract the death penalty or life imprisonment plus a fine.
In detail
Under Section 140 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, kidnapping with the aim of murder or putting the victim in danger of murder is punishable by life imprisonment or up to ten years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine. If the kidnapping is done to demand ransom, to force the government, a foreign state, an international body, or any other person to act or refrain from acting, the law allows the death penalty or life imprisonment, also with a fine. When a person is kidnapped simply to keep them secretly confined, the punishment is imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine. Finally, kidnapping for the purpose of causing grievous hurt, slavery, or sexual exploitation carries a term of up to ten years imprisonment and a fine. Each of these provisions aims to deter severe forms of abduction by imposing harsh penalties proportionate to the intended harm.
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.
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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.