Section 384 IPC: Punishment for extortion

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 384 IPC at a Glance

Section 384 IPC deals with punishment for extortion. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 308(2) BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or fine, or both.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 308(2) →

Section 384 IPC Bare Act Text

384. Punishment for extortion

Whoever commits extortion shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Source: Section 384, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 384 IPC in Simple Words

Section 384 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes the offence of extortion. Whoever commits extortion is punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Extortion is defined in Section 383 IPC as intentionally putting any person in fear of injury and thereby dishonestly inducing that person to deliver property or a valuable security. The offence is cognizable, non-bailable, and triable by any Magistrate.

It is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

Ingredients of Section 384 IPC

  • The accused committed extortion as defined in Section 383 IPC
  • The accused intentionally put any 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 to any person any property, valuable security, or anything signed or sealed which may be converted into a valuable security

Punishment Under Section 384 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or fine, or both.

Fine

Fine with no fixed limit, alone or with imprisonment.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ

Extortion is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Example of Section 384 IPC

In 2022, in Udaipur, Jagdish confronted a jeweller, Pranav, and threatened to publish false defamatory pamphlets accusing Pranav of fraud unless Pranav handed over a silver platter worth twenty thousand rupees. Fearing harm to his reputation from the threatened publication, Pranav was dishonestly induced to deliver the silver platter to Jagdish that same afternoon. Because Jagdish intentionally put Pranav in fear of injury to his reputation and thereby dishonestly induced him to deliver property, Jagdish committed extortion. Jagdish is punishable under Section 384 IPC.

When Section 384 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 384 IPC does not apply when the accused did not intentionally put any person in fear of injury.
  • Section 384 IPC does not apply when the victim parts with property freely and not as a result of fear of injury.
  • Section 384 IPC does not apply when threats are made but no property, valuable security, or signed or sealed document convertible into a valuable security is actually delivered.
  • Section 384 IPC does not apply when the demand is made without dishonest intention.

Section 384 IPC in the BNS

Section 384 IPC is now covered under Section 308(2) BNS.

Section 384 IPC corresponds to Section 308(2) BNS. The maximum term of imprisonment is increased from three years to seven years. The option of fine or both remains unchanged.

View detailed comparison (IPC 384 vs BNS 308(2)) →

FAQs on Section 384 IPC

What does Section 384 IPC provide?▼

It prescribes the punishment for extortion, providing imprisonment of either description for up to three years, or with fine, or with both.

What is the punishment under Section 384 IPC?▼

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Is extortion under Section 384 IPC bailable?▼

No. The First Schedule to the CrPC classifies Section 384 IPC as non-bailable.

Is Section 384 IPC cognizable?▼

Yes. An offence under Section 384 IPC is cognizable, allowing police to arrest without a warrant.

Which court tries an offence under Section 384 IPC?▼

Any Magistrate.

Can an offence under Section 384 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 384 IPC is not listed in Section 320 CrPC and cannot be compounded.

How did Section 308(2) BNS alter the punishment for extortion?▼

Section 308(2) BNS raised the maximum term of imprisonment from three years to seven years while retaining the option of fine or both.

What is the relationship between Section 383 IPC and Section 384 IPC?▼

Section 383 IPC defines the ingredients of extortion, while Section 384 IPC provides the general punishment for committing extortion.

Have questions about Section 384 IPC?

Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, punishment details, or how it applies to your situation.

Ask NyayGuru →

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 ·