Section 507 IPC: Criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 507 IPC at a Glance

Section 507 IPC deals with criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by Magistrate First Class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 351(4) BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for up to two years, in addition to the punishment for criminal intimidation under Section 506 IPC.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate First Class ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 351(4) →

Section 507 IPC Bare Act Text

507. Criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication

Whoever commits the offence of criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication, or having taken precaution to conceal the name or abode of the person from whom the threat comes, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, in addition to the punishment provided for the offence by the last preceding section.

Source: Section 507, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 507 IPC in Simple Words

Section 507 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes criminal intimidation, which Section 503 IPC defines, when committed by an anonymous communication, or after taking precaution to conceal the name or abode of the person from whom the threat comes.

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for up to two years, in addition to the punishment provided for the offence under Section 506 IPC.

Ingredients of Section 507 IPC

  • Committing criminal intimidation as defined in Section 503 IPC by threatening another with injury to person, reputation or property, or to person or reputation of anyone in whom he is interested
  • Communicating the threat by an anonymous communication
  • Alternatively, communicating the threat having taken precaution to conceal the name or abode of the person from whom the threat comes

Punishment Under Section 507 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for up to two years, in addition to the punishment for criminal intimidation under Section 506 IPC.

Fine

None under this section. The punishment under Section 506 IPC, to which this term is added, may include fine.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate First Class ⓘ

Criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication or with concealment of identity is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to two years, in addition to the punishment under Section 506 IPC. It is non-cognizable and bailable, triable by a Magistrate of the first class, and not compoundable.

Example of Section 507 IPC

In 2018 in Madurai, Nikhil wanted to force Kavita to resign as secretary of a housing society, an act she was not legally bound to do. Using an untraceable public booth and a false address to hide his identity and residence, Nikhil made an anonymous call threatening to assault Kavita if she did not resign. Threatening bodily injury to compel her to resign constituted criminal intimidation, and Nikhil communicated the threat anonymously after taking precautions to conceal his name and abode. In addition to his liability under Section 506 IPC, Nikhil is punishable under Section 507 IPC.

When Section 507 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 507 IPC does not apply when the message does not threaten any injury to the person, reputation, or property of the recipient or someone in whom the recipient is interested.
  • Section 507 IPC does not apply when the communication is sent without any intent to cause alarm or to compel the recipient to do or omit any act.
  • Section 507 IPC does not apply when the person making the threat discloses his true identity and address and takes no step to hide his name or abode.

Section 507 IPC in the BNS

Section 507 IPC is now covered under Section 351(4) BNS.

Section 507 IPC corresponds to Section 351(4) BNS. The wording and punishment remain identical, with the statutory reference updated from the last preceding section to Section 351(1) BNS.

View detailed comparison (IPC 507 vs BNS 351(4)) →

FAQs on Section 507 IPC

What does Section 507 IPC punish?▼

It punishes the offence of criminal intimidation when committed by an anonymous communication, or having taken precaution to conceal the name or abode of the person from whom the threat comes, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, in addition to the punishment provided for the offence under Section 506 IPC.

Does Section 507 IPC apply only to unsigned communications?▼

No. It also applies where the person who communicates the threat has taken precautions to conceal his name or abode, even if the communication is not completely unsigned.

Is Section 507 IPC cognizable and bailable?▼

Section 507 IPC is bailable and non-cognizable under the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Which court tries an offence under Section 507 IPC?▼

A Magistrate of the first class tries an offence under Section 507 IPC.

Can an offence under Section 507 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 507 IPC is not listed in Section 320 CrPC, so it cannot be compounded.

Where is Section 507 IPC placed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It is placed in Section 351(4) BNS, with identical wording and the same punishment of imprisonment extending up to two years in addition to the primary punishment.

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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 ·