Section 383 IPC: Extortion
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 383 IPC at a Glance
Section 383 IPC deals with extortion. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 308(1) BNS.
None. Section 383 IPC defines extortion and prescribes no term of imprisonment. Extortion is punished under Section 384 IPC with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years. Section 385 to Section 389 IPC punish aggravated forms and acts done in order to commit extortion.
Section 383 IPC Bare Act Text
383. Extortion
Whoever intentionally puts any person in fear of any injury to that person, or to any other, and thereby dishonestly induces the person so put in fear to deliver to any person any property, or valuable security or anything signed or sealed which may be converted into a valuable security, commits “extortion”.
Illustrations(a) A threatens to publish a defamatory libel concerning Z unless Z gives him money. He thus induces Z to give him money. A has committed extortion.
(b) A threatens Z that he will keep Z's child in wrongful confinement, unless Z will sign and deliver to A a promissory note binding Z to pay certain monies to A. Z signs and delivers the note. A has committed extortion.
(c) A threatens to send club-men to plough up Z's field unless Z will sign and deliver to B a bond binding Z under a penalty to deliver certain produce to B, and thereby induces Z to sign and deliver the bond. A has committed extortion.
(d) A, by putting Z in fear of grievous hurt, dishonestly induces Z to sign or affix his seal to a blank paper and deliver it to A. Z signs and delivers the paper to A. Here, as the paper so signed may be converted into a valuable security. A has committed extortion.
Source: Section 383, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 383 IPC in Simple Words
Section 383 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines the offence of extortion.
Extortion occurs when a person intentionally puts any person in fear of any injury to that person or to any other, and thereby dishonestly induces the person so put in fear to deliver to any person any property, valuable security, or anything signed or sealed which may be converted into a valuable security.
Section 383 IPC is an explanatory definition that carries no penal sanction of its own; punishment for extortion is provided under Section 384 to Section 389 IPC.
Ingredients of Section 383 IPC
- The accused intentionally put a person in fear of injury to that person or to any other
- The accused thereby dishonestly induced the person so put in fear to deliver property, a valuable security, or anything signed or sealed which may be converted into a valuable security
- The delivery of the property or security was made to any person pursuant to that fear
Punishment Under Section 383 IPC
None. Section 383 IPC defines extortion and prescribes no term of imprisonment. Extortion is punished under Section 384 IPC with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years. Section 385 to Section 389 IPC punish aggravated forms and acts done in order to commit extortion.
None under Section 383 IPC. Fine is provided under the punishing sections, beginning with Section 384 IPC.
Section 383 IPC defines extortion without prescribing a punishment of its own. Committing extortion is punished under Section 384 to Section 389 IPC.
Example of Section 383 IPC
When Section 383 IPC Does Not Apply
- Section 383 IPC does not apply when no threat or intentional fear of injury is directed at the victim or any other person.
- Section 383 IPC does not apply when the person threatened refuses to comply and does not deliver any property, valuable security, or signed or sealed paper.
- Section 383 IPC does not apply when property is handed over out of goodwill or for a lawful consideration rather than because of fear of injury.
- Section 383 IPC does not apply when the person demanding delivery lacks dishonest intention, as when no wrongful gain or wrongful loss is intended.
Section 383 IPC in the BNS
Section 383 IPC is now covered under Section 308(1) BNS.
Section 383 IPC corresponds to Section 308(1) BNS. The statutory definition remains unchanged, and a fifth illustration is added covering a threat sent through an electronic device.
View detailed comparison (IPC 383 vs BNS 308(1)) →FAQs on Section 383 IPC
What does Section 383 IPC define?▼
It defines extortion as intentionally putting any person in fear of injury to that person or another, and thereby dishonestly inducing delivery of property or valuable security.
Does Section 383 IPC prescribe a punishment?▼
No. Section 383 IPC is a definition section. Extortion is punished under Section 384 to Section 389 IPC.
Is actual delivery of property required for an offence under Section 383 IPC?▼
Yes. Extortion requires that the person put in fear be dishonestly induced to deliver property, a valuable security, or something convertible into a valuable security.
Under Section 383 IPC, what if threats are made but no property is delivered?▼
If no property is delivered, the completed definition of extortion under Section 383 IPC is not satisfied, but the act may be punishable under Section 385 IPC for putting a person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion.
Under Section 383 IPC, can the threat of injury be directed toward a person other than the victim?▼
Yes. Section 383 IPC expressly provides that the fear of injury may be to that person or to any other person.
Is Section 383 IPC cognizable and bailable?▼
Section 383 IPC has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC because it defines the offence. Classification follows the punishing provision, such as Section 384 IPC.
Under Section 383 IPC, which court tries an offence of extortion?▼
Trial jurisdiction is determined by the punishing section. Extortion under Section 384 IPC is triable by any Magistrate.
Where is Section 383 IPC placed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
It is placed in Section 308(1) BNS, which includes a new fifth illustration concerning electronic threats.
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Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·