IPC Section 70 — Fine leviable within six years, or during imprisonment. Death not to discharge property from liability

Summary

A fine or any unpaid part of it can be collected within six years after the sentence is given. If the sentence includes imprisonment for more than six years, the fine can be collected any time before that imprisonment period ends. Even if the person who owes the fine dies, any property that would be used to pay their debts after death remains liable for the fine.

Official Text

The fine, or any part thereof which remains unpaid, may be levied at any time within six years after the passing of the sentence, and if, under the sentence, the offender be liable to imprisonment for a longer period than six years, then at any time previous to the expiration of that period;
and the death of the offender does not discharge from the liability any property which would, after his death, be legally liable for his debts.

Related Judgments

• THROUGH LR. GIRIJA v. THE STATE OF KERALA — Supreme Court of India (2020)
• S.C.R. 962 KUMARAN v. STATE OF KERALA & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2017)
• SHANTI LAL v. STATE — Supreme Court of India (2007)
• Petitioner vs 1.The Chief Secretary, — Madras High Court (2018)
• HARNAM SINGH v. THE STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH November 21 — Supreme Court of India (1975)
• S.C.R. YASHWANT ETC v. THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA — Supreme Court of India (2018)
• GURDEV SINGH v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. NOVEMBER 5, 2001 — Supreme Court of India (S)
• ... Appellant/2nd Accused vs State by the Inspector of Police, — Madras High Court (2013)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §8 — Amount of fine, liability in default of payment of fine, etc