BNS Section 123
What punishment does the law impose if I give someone poison to hurt them or help a crime?
Short answer
You can be sentenced to up to ten years in prison and also be fined.
In detail
If a person makes another person take poison, a harmful drug, or any other unsafe substance, and does so either to cause injury, to assist in committing a crime, or knowing it is very likely to cause injury, the law treats this as a serious offence. The court can order the offender to serve a prison term that may be as long as ten years. In addition to the jail time, the offender must also pay a monetary fine. The intention behind the act—whether to hurt the victim directly or to help another illegal act—does not change the severity of the punishment. This provision aims to deter people from using dangerous substances to cause harm or to facilitate other crimes, protecting the safety and well‑being of individuals in society.
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
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- Can a person be fined without imprisonment 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.