BNS Section 357: Breach of contract to attend on and supply the wants of a helpless person
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Chapter 19: Of Criminal Intimidation, Insult, Annoyance, Defamation, Etc - Of defamation
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¶357. Whoever, being bound by a lawful contract to attend on or to supply the wants of any person who, by reason of youth, or of unsoundness of mind, or of a disease or bodily weakness, is helpless or incapable of providing for his own safety or of supplying his own wants, voluntarily omits so to do, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
Study: explanations and related material
Replaces IPC 491. IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28)
Punishment, bail and trial
357Being bound to attend on or supply the wants of a person who is helpless from youth, unsoundness of mind or disease, and voluntarily omitting to do so.
- Punishment
- Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine of 5,000 rupees, or both.
- Cognizable or not
- Non‑cognizable
- Bailable or not
- Bailable
- Triable by
- Any Magistrate
Source: BNSS First Schedule, Gazette of India, 25 December 2023, p. 189. The Schedule gives the substance of the section, not its full definition, and a State may have amended the classification for its territory. See it in the full First Schedule
Official reference: Ministry of Home Affairs: Gazette text, 25 December 2023 — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-07-01.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.