Section 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) defines extortion as the act of intentionally putting someone in fear of injury and dishonestly inducing them to deliver property, valuable security, or anything signed or sealed which can be converted into valuable security. The section describes scenarios where fear is used to extract valuables from a person.
Punishment:
Whoever commits extortion is punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years, or with a fine, or both. If the fear involves grievous hurt or death, the punishment extends to imprisonment of up to ten years and a fine. Attempts to create fear for extortion are punishable with imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine, or both.
How It Protects:
This section deters individuals from using fear or threats to obtain valuables. It safeguards individuals from coercion and exploitation by imposing strict punishments for extortion and related attempts. It reinforces public safety and confidence in the legal system.
Example:
A person who threatens to publish defamatory content about another unless paid money commits extortion. Similarly, threatening harm to a child to extract money or inducing someone to sign a blank paper under the fear of grievous hurt constitutes extortion under this section.
