Section 120 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) applies when a person intentionally causes hurt to another to extort a confession, obtain information about an offense, or force the restoration of property, valuables, or payment of dues.
This section ensures that torture or physical harm cannot be used as a means to extract information, force confessions, or recover assets.
Punishment:
Whoever voluntarily causes hurt for these purposes shall be punished with imprisonment of up to seven years and shall also be liable to a fine.
Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt in such cases shall be punished with imprisonment of up to ten years, along with a fine.
Illustrations:
If a police officer tortures a suspect to force a confession, they are guilty under this section.
If a government officer inflicts pain on a person to recover revenue dues, it is punishable under this law.
If a person causes harm to force someone to disclose the location of stolen goods, they are liable under this section.
How It Protects:
This section prohibits the use of physical force for extracting confessions or recovering property, ensuring that investigations and recoveries are conducted lawfully.
It upholds human rights and prevents abuse of authority.
Example:
If a police officer beats a suspect to force a confession, they are guilty under this law.
Similarly, if a loan recovery agent uses physical force to make a borrower repay a debt, it is a criminal offense.
