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Section 351 — Criminal intimidation
351
351
Criminal intimidation
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 • Previously IPC Section 503
Chapter XIX Of Criminal Intimidation, Insult, Annoyance, Defamation, Etc
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Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
ThreatIntimidationCrimeSafetyModeratePreviously IPC 503
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with criminal intimidation. This means threatening someone with harm to scare them or make them do something they are not legally required to do. This section replaces the old Section 503 of the IPC.
Why does this law exist? This law protects people from threats. It ensures people feel safe and can make choices without fear. It prevents people from being forced into doing things against their will.
Real-life impact Imagine someone threatens to hurt you if you report a crime. This law makes such threats illegal. It helps maintain peace and order in society. It ensures people can live without fear of being threatened.
What happens if you break this law? If you commit criminal intimidation, you could go to jail for up to two years. You might also have to pay a fine, or both. If the threat is more serious, the punishment can be up to seven years. Police can arrest without warrant.
⚖️ Punishment

Imprisonment up to seven years, or fine, or both.

💡 Real Life Example

Rahul threatens to reveal Priya's private photos if she doesn't pay him. This is criminal intimidation, and Rahul could face jail time. Amit threatens to burn down Sneha's shop if she doesn't drop a legal case. This is also criminal intimidation, leading to potential imprisonment. A person sends threatening messages anonymously. This is criminal intimidation, with added penalties.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Report the threat to the police immediately.
  • •Gather evidence of the threat (messages, witnesses).
  • •Seek legal advice from a lawyer.
  • •You have the right to legal aid if you cannot afford a lawyer.
  • •If falsely accused, gather evidence to prove your innocence.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 351 of the BNS addresses criminal intimidation. It means threatening someone with harm to scare them or force them to do something. This includes threats to their person, reputation, or property. The goal is to cause alarm or make them act against their will. This section replaces the old Section 503 of the IPC.
The punishment for criminal intimidation varies. It depends on the severity of the threat. For basic threats, you could face up to two years in jail, a fine, or both. If the threat involves serious harm or death, the jail time can extend up to seven years. This section replaces the old Section 503 of the IPC.
Whether criminal intimidation is bailable depends on the nature of the threat. For less serious threats, it might be bailable. However, if the threat is severe (e.g., threat of death), it may be a non-bailable offense. This means the police can arrest without a warrant. This section replaces the old Section 503 of the IPC.
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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