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Section 47 — Abetment in India of offences outside India
47
47
Abetment in India of offences outside India
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Chapter IV Of Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy and Attempt
⚖️
Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
AbetmentInternational CrimeChapter IVSerious
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 47 of the BNS says that if you help someone commit a crime outside of India, but you do it from within India, you can be punished under Indian law. This means if you help someone commit a crime in another country, you can still be held responsible in India. This section replaces the old law.
⚖️ Punishment

Imprisonment up to the same term as the original offence, or fine, or both.

💡 Real Life Example

A person in India helps a friend in another country plan a bank robbery. Even though the robbery happens abroad, the person in India can be charged with abetment. Legal consequence: The person faces the same punishment as if the robbery happened in India.

An Indian citizen instigates a foreigner to commit cyber fraud in the UK. The Indian citizen can be prosecuted in India. Legal consequence: The Indian citizen faces the same punishment as if the fraud happened in India.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Contact a lawyer immediately if accused of abetting a crime outside India.
  • •Gather evidence to prove your actions were not criminal.
  • •Understand the laws of the country where the crime occurred.
  • •Seek legal aid if you cannot afford a lawyer (Article 39A).
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 47 of the BNS means that if you help someone commit a crime in another country, but you do it from India, you can be punished under Indian law. This covers any actions that would be illegal if they happened in India. This ensures that people cannot use international borders to avoid legal consequences for their actions.
The punishment under Section 47 depends on the crime that was abetted outside India. You will face the same punishment as if the crime had been committed in India. This can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime. The police can arrest you without a warrant.
Whether the offense is bailable depends on the nature of the crime that was abetted. If the original crime committed outside India would be bailable if committed in India, then the abetment is also bailable. If the original crime is non-bailable, then the abetment is also non-bailable. Consult a lawyer for specifics.
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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