IPC Section 363 — Punishment for kidnapping

kidnapping, abduction, slavery and forced labour

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine”

Summary

Whoever takes a person away from India or from the legal care of a parent or guardian commits the offence of kidnapping. The punishment for this offence can be imprisonment for up to seven years, along with a fine.

Official Text

Whoever kidnaps any person from India or from lawful guardianship, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Related Provisions

kidnapping/abduction

Related Judgments

  • SHAIK AHMED vs STATE OF TELANGANA — Supreme Court of India (2021)
  • STATE OF HARYANA vs BASTI RAM — Supreme Court of India (2013)
  • SANNAIA SUBBA RAO & ORS. vs STATE OF A.P — Supreme Court of India (2008)
  • MANOJ NARULA vs UNION OF INDIA — Supreme Court of India (2014)
  • VIKRAM SINGH@ VICKY &ANR. vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2015)
  • RAMKIRAT MUNILAL GOUD vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA ETC — Supreme Court of India (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping