Section 145 BNS: Habitual dealing in slaves

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 145 BNS at a Glance

Section 145 BNS deals with habitual dealing in slaves. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by the Court of Session; it replaced Section 371 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Court of Session ⓘ
IPC Equivalent

Section 371 →

Section 145 BNS Bare Act Text

145. Habitual dealing in slaves

Whoever habitually imports, exports, removes, buys, sells, traffics or deals in slaves, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Source: Section 145, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 145 BNS in Simple Words

Section 145 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with a person who habitually deals in slaves. The law is aimed at repeat offenders, not a one-off act. It covers anyone who habitually imports, exports, removes, buys, sells, traffics, or deals in slaves.

This provision is meant to strike at organised and repeated exploitation. In practical terms, it applies to people who make slavery or slave-trading part of their business or conduct. The focus is on the habit of dealing, which makes the offence more serious than a single isolated transaction.

For a prosecution, the repeated nature of the conduct matters. Section 145 BNS punishes such habitual dealing with imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and liability to fine.

Ingredients of Section 145 BNS

  • Habitual practice or repeated transactions
  • Engaging in importing, exporting, removing, buying, selling, trafficking, or dealing in slaves
  • Preservation of imprisonment for life or imprisonment extending up to ten years and liability to fine under Section 145 BNS

Punishment Under Section 145 BNS

Imprisonment

Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years

Fine

Liable to fine

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Court of Session ⓘ

Section 145 BNS punishes habitual dealing in slaves with imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and liability to fine. Proceedings are cognizable, non-bailable, and triable by the Court of Session. The offence is not compoundable.

Example of Section 145 BNS

In an industrial suburb near Moradabad, Kailash maintained an ongoing network that procured human beings in conditions of absolute subjugation and sold them as slaves to private brick-kiln operators across state boundaries. Investigation into Kailash business revealed ledger entries recording multiple past sales and deliveries of persons treated as personal property over a two-year period. Kailash was apprehended while delivering three persons to a buyer for cash consideration. Because Kailash engaged in a regular practice of buying, selling, and trafficking in slaves, he committed the offence under Section 145 BNS.

When Section 145 BNS Does Not Apply

  • The alleged transactions did not involve slaves or treatment of persons as chattel property
  • The act was a single isolated transaction with no habitual importing, exporting, removing, buying, selling, trafficking, or dealing

Section 145 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 145 BNS replaces Section 371 IPC from the old criminal code.

Section 371 IPC is now Section 145 BNS. The statutory heading, text, and prescribed punishment of imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years and liability to fine remain identical in substance.

View IPC Section 371 →

FAQs on Section 145 BNS

What does habitual dealing mean under Section 145 BNS?▼

It means the person is engaged in the prohibited conduct repeatedly, not just once. The prosecution must show a pattern of dealing, which points to a settled course of conduct.

Is a single transaction enough for the offence under Section 145 BNS?▼

No, not by itself. This section targets habitual conduct, so one isolated act is not enough unless the facts show a continuing practice.

Is Section 145 BNS still in force today?▼

Yes. Section 145 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 is currently in force and punishes habitual dealing in slaves.

How serious is the punishment under Section 145 BNS?▼

Very serious. The law prescribes imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding 10 years, and liability to fine, which shows how strongly the law treats slavery-related conduct.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·