Section 387 IPC: Putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 387 IPC at a Glance

Section 387 IPC deals with putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 308(4) BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ

BNS Equivalent

Section 308(4) →

Section 387 IPC Bare Act Text

387. Putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion
Whoever, in order to the committing of extortion, puts or attempts to put any person in fear of death or of grievous hurt to that person or to any other, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Source: Section 387, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 387 IPC in Simple Words

Section 387 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes putting or attempting to put any person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, to that person or to any other, in order to the committing of extortion. The punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

The offence targets the inchoate stage where fear of death or grievous hurt is caused or attempted for the purpose of extortion, without requiring property to be delivered. The offence is cognizable, non-bailable, and triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

It is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

Ingredients of Section 387 IPC

The accused put any person in fear, or attempted to put any person in fear, of death or of grievous hurt to that person or to any other
The accused acted in order to the committing of extortion

Punishment Under Section 387 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.

Fine

The offender is also liable to fine.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ

Putting or attempting to put any person in fear of death or grievous hurt in order to commit extortion carries imprisonment for up to seven years, and liability to fine.

Example of Section 387 IPC

In 2018 in Coimbatore, Mahesh confronted Sridhar outside his textile mill and warned that he would blind Sridhar with acid unless Sridhar signed and handed over a promissory note by the following morning. Sridhar was terrified of suffering grievous hurt, but instead of handing over any document, he immediately lodged a police complaint. Although no valuable security or property was delivered, Mahesh put Sridhar in fear of grievous hurt in order to commit extortion. Mahesh is punishable under Section 387 IPC.

When Section 387 IPC Does Not Apply

Section 387 IPC does not apply when the accused neither puts nor attempts to put any person in fear of death or grievous hurt.
Section 387 IPC does not apply when the injury threatened is only simple hurt or property damage rather than death or grievous hurt.
Section 387 IPC does not apply when the threat of death or grievous hurt is made during a quarrel without any purpose of committing extortion.

Section 387 IPC in the BNS

Section 387 IPC is now covered under Section 308(4) BNS.

Section 387 IPC corresponds to Section 308(4) BNS. The definition of the offence, the seven-year maximum term of imprisonment, and the liability to fine remain unchanged in substance.

View detailed comparison (IPC 387 vs BNS 308(4)) →

FAQs on Section 387 IPC

What does Section 387 IPC punish?▼

It punishes putting or attempting to put any person in fear of death or of grievous hurt to that person or to any other, in order to the committing of extortion.

What is the punishment under Section 387 IPC?▼

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

Does Section 387 IPC require property to be delivered?▼

No. Section 387 IPC punishes the act of putting or attempting to put a person in fear in order to commit extortion; delivery of property is not an ingredient.

Is Section 387 IPC bailable?▼

No. Section 387 IPC is non-bailable according to the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Is Section 387 IPC cognizable?▼

Yes. An offence under Section 387 IPC is cognizable.

Which court tries an offence under Section 387 IPC?▼

A Magistrate of the first class.

Can Section 387 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 387 IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

How does Section 387 IPC differ from Section 386 IPC?▼

Section 386 IPC punishes completed extortion where property was delivered through fear of death or grievous hurt, whereas Section 387 IPC punishes putting or attempting to put in such fear in order to commit extortion even if no delivery occurs.

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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 ·