IPC Section 388: Extortion by threat of accusation of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life, etc

Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 17: Offences Against Property

Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).

Whoever commits extortion by putting any person in fear of an accusation against that person or any other, of having committed or attempted to commit any offence punishable with death, or with 1[imprisonment for life], or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years or of having attempted to induce any other person to commit such offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine; and, if the offence be one punishable under section 377 of this Code, may be punished with 1[imprisonment for life].

CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE

Punishment-Imprisonment for 10 years and fine-Cognizable-Bailable-Triable by Magistrate of the first class-Non-compoundable.

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1. Subs. by Act 26 of 1955, sec. 117 and Sch., for "transportation for life" (w.e.f. 1-1-1956).

Bare act text for reference, current to 30 June 2024. It is not legal advice; check the official gazette for authoritative text.

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