BNS Section 97
What punishment does the law prescribe for kidnapping a child under ten to steal their belongings?
Short answer
The offender can be jailed for up to seven years and also fined.
In detail
Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, if anyone takes a child younger than ten years old away from their guardian with the dishonest aim of taking any of the child's personal belongings, the law treats this as a serious crime. The provision specifically targets the combination of kidnapping and the intention to steal. When a court finds a person guilty of this act, it may order imprisonment for a period that can go as far as seven years. In addition to jail time, the offender is also required to pay a monetary fine, the amount of which the court will decide. This punishment reflects the need to protect young children from both abduction and theft, recognizing the vulnerability of children under ten and the seriousness of exploiting that vulnerability for personal gain.
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 punishment for kidnapping a child without the intent to steal?
- Does the law treat children over ten years differently in kidnapping cases?
- How is the fine amount determined 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.