IPC Section 329
Text of IPC Section 329 (Simplified)
"Whoever, voluntarily causes hurt to any person in order to commit extortion or compel them to do something illegal, shall be punished with imprisonment for up to seven years, and also liable to fine."
Key Elements of Section 329
Who can commit this offence?
Any person. There is no restriction; anyone who voluntarily causes hurt to force someone is liable.
Voluntarily causing hurt:
The offender must intentionally cause physical pain or injury to another person.
Hurt can be minor or major, but it must be voluntary.
Purpose (mens rea):
The act must be committed with specific intent to:
Extort property (demanding money or valuables)
Compel someone to do something illegal
Result:
The act is punishable regardless of whether the extortion or compulsion succeeds.
The focus is on intent and voluntary hurt.
Punishment
Imprisonment: Up to 7 years
Fine: Court can impose a monetary penalty
Both: Depending on the severity and circumstances.
Example
A thief injures a shopkeeper to force him to hand over cash.
The hurt is voluntary, and the intent is extortion → falls under Section 329.
A person threatens and strikes someone to make them sign a document illegally.
This is causing hurt to compel an illegal act → Section 329 applies.
Summary:
IPC Section 329 punishes anyone who intentionally hurts another person with the purpose of extortion or forcing them to commit an illegal act. The key aspects are: voluntary hurt, criminal intent, and purpose of extortion or illegal compulsion.
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