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Section 140 — Kidnapping or abducting in order to murder or for ransom, etc
140
140
Kidnapping or abducting in order to murder or for ransom, etc
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
KidnappingAbductionMurderRansomSevere Offence
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 140 of the BNS deals with kidnapping or abduction for serious crimes. This includes kidnapping to murder, for ransom, or to cause harm. It covers various situations where someone's freedom is taken away for a dangerous purpose.
Why does this law exist? This law protects people from being kidnapped or abducted for violent crimes. It aims to prevent murder, extortion, and other serious offenses. It ensures the safety and security of individuals.
Real-life impact This law prevents people from being kidnapped for ransom. It protects people from being murdered after being kidnapped. It ensures that those who commit these crimes face severe consequences.
What happens if you break this law? The punishment varies depending on the crime. If you kidnap someone to murder them, you could get life imprisonment or rigorous imprisonment for up to ten years, and a fine. If you kidnap for ransom, you could face the death penalty or life imprisonment, and a fine. The police can arrest you without a warrant.
⚖️ Punishment

Imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment up to ten years, and also liable to fine (kidnapping to murder). Death penalty or imprisonment for life, and also liable to fine (kidnapping for ransom).

💡 Real Life Example

Rahul kidnaps Priya with the intention of killing her. He faces imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for up to ten years, and a fine. This is a very serious crime under Section 140.

Amit kidnaps Sneha and demands money from her family. He could face the death penalty or life imprisonment, and a fine. This is a severe crime under Section 140.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Report the kidnapping or abduction to the police immediately.
  • •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 140 of the BNS covers kidnapping or abduction for serious crimes like murder, ransom, or causing harm. It addresses situations where someone's freedom is taken away for a dangerous purpose. The law aims to protect people from violent crimes.
The punishment varies depending on the crime. If you kidnap someone to murder them, you could get life imprisonment or rigorous imprisonment for up to ten years, and a fine. If you kidnap for ransom, you could face the death penalty or life imprisonment, 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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