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Section 139 — Kidnapping or maiming a child for purposes of begging
139
139
Kidnapping or maiming a child for purposes of begging
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Chapter VI Of Offences Affecting The Human Body
⚖️
Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
Child ExploitationKidnappingMaimingSevere Offence
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 139 of the BNS addresses kidnapping or maiming a child for begging. It means if someone kidnaps a child or gets custody of a child to make them beg, it's a crime. It also covers maiming a child to make them beg.
Why does this law exist? This law protects children from exploitation and abuse. It aims to stop the cruel practice of using children for begging. It ensures children's safety and well-being.
Real-life impact This law prevents children from being forced to beg on the streets. It punishes those who exploit children for financial gain. It helps protect vulnerable children from harm.
What happens if you break this law? If you kidnap a child for begging, you could get rigorous imprisonment for at least ten years, up to life. You will also have to pay a fine. If you maim a child for begging, you could get imprisonment for at least twenty years, up to life, and a fine. The police can arrest you without a warrant.
⚖️ Punishment

Imprisonment for at least ten years, up to life, and also liable to fine (kidnapping). Imprisonment for at least twenty years, up to life, and also liable to fine (maiming).

💡 Real Life Example

Amit kidnaps a child to make them beg on the streets. He faces rigorous imprisonment for at least ten years and a fine. This is a severe crime under Section 139.

Sneha intentionally injures a child to make them look more pitiful for begging. She faces imprisonment for at least twenty years and a fine. This is a very serious offense.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Report any suspicion of child kidnapping or maiming to the police.
  • •Provide all available information to the police.
  • •Contact a lawyer for legal assistance.
  • •If falsely accused, gather evidence to prove your innocence.
  • •You have the right to legal aid.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 139 of the BNS covers kidnapping or maiming a child for begging. It means if someone kidnaps a child or gets custody of a child to make them beg, it's a crime. It also covers maiming a child to make them beg. The law aims to protect children from exploitation.
If you kidnap a child for begging, you could get rigorous imprisonment for at least ten years, up to life, and a fine. If you maim a child for begging, you could get imprisonment for at least twenty years, up to life, and a fine. The police can arrest you without a warrant. These are very serious offenses.
Sources & References

📒 Legal text sourced from The Gazette of India & AdvocateKhoj Bare Acts Library

⚖️ Content reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate, with 31 years of legal practice

📚 Act Reference: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (replaces IPC)

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for specific legal matters.

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