Section 367 IPC: Kidnapping or abducting in order to subject person to grievous hurt, slavery, etc

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 367 IPC at a Glance

Section 367 IPC deals with kidnapping or abducting in order to subject person to grievous hurt, slavery, etc. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by the Court of Session; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 140(4) BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term extending up to ten years

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

Section 140(4) →

Section 367 IPC Bare Act Text

367. Kidnapping or abducting in order to subject person to grievous hurt, slavery, etc

Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person in order that such person may be subjected, or may be so disposed of as to be put in danger of being subjected to grievous hurt, or slavery, or to the unnatural lust of any person, or knowing it to be likely that such person will be so subjected or disposed of, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Source: Section 367, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 367 IPC in Simple Words

Section 367 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes kidnapping or abducting any person with the intent or knowledge that the person will be subjected to grievous hurt, slavery, or the unnatural lust of any person, or be put in danger of being so subjected.

The offence carries imprisonment of either description for a term extending up to ten years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

The offence is cognizable, non-bailable, and triable by the Court of Session.

Ingredients of Section 367 IPC

  • The accused kidnapped or abducted any person
  • The act was done in order that such person may be subjected, or may be so disposed of as to be put in danger of being subjected, to grievous hurt, or slavery, or to the unnatural lust of any person
  • Or the act was done knowing it to be likely that such person will be so subjected or disposed of

Punishment Under Section 367 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term extending up to ten years

Fine

Liable to fine

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

Section 367 IPC punishes kidnapping or abducting any person in order to subject them to grievous hurt, slavery, or unnatural lust with imprisonment of either description extending up to ten years, and the offender is also liable to fine. Proceedings for the offence are cognizable and non-bailable, with trial conducted exclusively by the Court of Session. Compounding is not permitted under the law.

Example of Section 367 IPC

In November 2017, Ratan deceitfully lured a labourer named Govind from a tea stall in Dhanbad by promising him a job at a textile mill. Instead, Ratan took Govind to an illegal brick kiln in a distant town and sold him to the kiln operator, intending that Govind would be kept in slavery and knowing that workers who resisted had their bones fractured with iron pipes, causing grievous hurt. Because Ratan abducted Govind in order to subject him to slavery and put him in danger of grievous hurt, Ratan is punishable under Section 367 IPC.

When Section 367 IPC Does Not Apply

  • An adult travels to a workplace of their own free choice without being compelled by force or misled by any deceitful promise.
  • A person kidnaps or abducts someone only to cause simple hurt or to demand money, without intending or knowing it to be likely that the victim will face grievous hurt, slavery, or unnatural lust.
  • An offender inflicts grievous hurt during a sudden street fight without kidnapping or abducting the victim.
  • A person is wrongfully restrained or confined at one place without having been kidnapped from guardianship or abducted from any location.

Section 367 IPC in the BNS

Section 367 IPC is now covered under Section 140(4) BNS.

Section 367 IPC corresponds to Section 140(4) BNS. The statutory text, defining the offence of kidnapping or abducting in order to subject a person to grievous hurt, slavery, or unnatural lust, is retained without substantive change. The punishment of imprisonment of either description for up to ten years and liability to fine continues unchanged.

View detailed comparison (IPC 367 vs BNS 140(4)) →

FAQs on Section 367 IPC

What does Section 367 IPC punish?▼

Section 367 IPC punishes kidnapping or abducting any person in order that such person may be subjected, or put in danger of being subjected, to grievous hurt, slavery, or the unnatural lust of any person, or with knowledge that such result is likely.

What punishment is provided under Section 367 IPC?▼

Section 367 IPC prescribes imprisonment of either description for a term extending up to ten years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

What harmful purposes are specified under Section 367 IPC?▼

The section specifies subjecting the person to grievous hurt, slavery, or the unnatural lust of any person, or disposing of the person so as to put them in danger of being subjected to any of those conditions.

Is Section 367 IPC bailable?▼

No; Section 367 IPC is non-bailable under the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Is an offence under Section 367 IPC cognizable?▼

Yes; Section 367 IPC is cognizable, meaning police officers may arrest without a warrant.

Which court tries offences under Section 367 IPC?▼

Offences under Section 367 IPC are triable exclusively by the Court of Session.

Can an offence under Section 367 IPC be compounded?▼

No; Section 367 IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

Which provision of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita corresponds to Section 367 IPC?▼

The corresponding provision in the new code is Section 140(4) BNS.

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

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·