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Section 98 — Power to compel restoration of abducted females
98
98
Power to compel restoration of abducted females
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
Chapter VII Processes to Compel The Production of Things
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Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
AbductionIllegal DetentionMagistrateWomen'S RightsChild Protection
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 98 of the CrPC allows a Magistrate to help if a woman or girl under 18 is kidnapped or held illegally. The Magistrate can order their immediate release. They can also return the girl to her family.
Why does this law exist? It protects women and children from abduction. It ensures their safety and well-being. It helps prevent human trafficking.
Real-life impact If a girl is kidnapped, her family can report it. The Magistrate can then order her return. The police can use force if needed. This helps bring the girl back home.
What happens if you break this law? This section is about the process. It doesn't have a specific punishment. The person who abducted or detained the woman or girl will be charged with a crime.
💡 Real Life Example

Sneha's daughter is abducted. Her parents report it to the police. The Magistrate uses Section 98 to order the girl's return. The police find the girl and bring her back to her parents. The abductor faces criminal charges.

A woman is held against her will. She escapes and reports it. The Magistrate orders her release under Section 98. The police help her. The person who held her is arrested and charged with a crime.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Report any abduction or illegal detention to the police.
  • •Provide all necessary information to the police.
  • •Seek legal help if you are a victim.
  • •Know that the Magistrate can order immediate release.
  • •Demand protection from the police.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 98 of the CrPC allows a Magistrate to help if a woman or girl under 18 is kidnapped or held illegally. The Magistrate can order their immediate release. They can also return the girl to her family. The police can use force if needed to ensure the woman or girl is returned safely. This law protects vulnerable individuals.
Section 98 itself doesn't have a specific punishment. It's about the process of ordering the release of an abducted or illegally detained woman or girl. The person who abducted or detained the woman or girl will be charged with a crime, such as kidnapping or wrongful confinement. The punishment for these crimes varies.
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: Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

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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