Section 450 IPC: House-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 450 IPC at a Glance

Section 450 IPC deals with house-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by the Court of Session; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 332(b) BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years.

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

Section 332(b) →

Section 450 IPC Bare Act Text

450. House-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life

Whoever commits house-trespass in order to the committing of any offence punishable with imprisonment for life, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Source: Section 450, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 450 IPC in Simple Words

Section 450 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes house-trespass committed in order to commit an offence punishable with imprisonment for life. The punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

The offence is cognizable and non-bailable, and it is triable by the Court of Session. It is not listed in Section 320 CrPC, so it cannot be compounded.

Ingredients of Section 450 IPC

  • The accused committed house-trespass as defined in Section 442 IPC
  • The house-trespass was committed in order to the committing of an offence
  • The offence intended to be committed was punishable with imprisonment for life

Punishment Under Section 450 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years.

Fine

The offender is also liable to fine. The statute does not prescribe a mandatory fine or fix a maximum amount.

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

House-trespass in order to commit an offence punishable with life imprisonment carries imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and liability to fine.

Example of Section 450 IPC

In 2021 in Mysuru, Pranav occupied a stone building used as a shop for storing silk fabrics. Following a commercial dispute, Naveen unlawfully walked into the building carrying a canister of kerosene and matches, intending to set fire to the structure and destroy it. Mischief by fire to destroy a building used for the custody of property was an offence punishable with imprisonment for life. By entering the building in Pranav's possession in order to commit that crime, Naveen committed house-trespass in order to the committing of an offence punishable with imprisonment for life. Naveen is punishable under Section 450 IPC.

When Section 450 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 450 IPC does not apply when the trespass takes place on open farmland or an unroofed yard rather than inside a building, tent or vessel.
  • Section 450 IPC does not apply when the intruder enters the building only to intimidate or annoy the occupant without intending to commit an offence.
  • Section 450 IPC does not apply when the offence intended by the trespasser is punishable only with a fixed term of imprisonment and not with imprisonment for life.
  • Section 450 IPC does not apply when the house-trespass is committed in order to commit an offence punishable with death, which falls under Section 449 IPC.

Section 450 IPC in the BNS

Section 450 IPC is now covered under Section 332(b) BNS.

Section 450 IPC corresponds to Section 332(b) BNS. Section 332(b) BNS consolidates house-trespass according to the seriousness of the intended offence into three clauses. The elements and the punishment of imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and liability to fine remain unchanged.

View detailed comparison (IPC 450 vs BNS 332(b)) →

FAQs on Section 450 IPC

What does Section 450 IPC provide?▼

Section 450 IPC punishes house-trespass committed in order to commit an offence punishable with imprisonment for life.

What is the punishment under Section 450 IPC?▼

Under Section 450 IPC, the court may sentence the offender to imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and may also impose a fine.

Must the intended offence be committed for Section 450 IPC to apply?▼

No. The offence under Section 450 IPC is complete upon committing house-trespass with the purpose of committing an offence punishable with imprisonment for life, regardless of whether that offence takes place.

Is an offence under Section 450 IPC bailable?▼

No. An offence under Section 450 IPC is non-bailable and cognizable according to the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Which court tries an offence under Section 450 IPC?▼

An offence under Section 450 IPC is triable by the Court of Session.

Can an offence under Section 450 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 450 IPC is not listed in Section 320 CrPC, so it cannot be compounded.

Where is Section 450 IPC placed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It is placed in Section 332(b) BNS, under Chapter XVII, Of Offences Against Property.

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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 ·