If, at the time of committing robbery or dacoity, the offender uses any deadly weapon, or causes grievous hurt to any person, so attempts to cause death or grievous hurt to any person, the imprisonment with which such offender shall be punished shall not be less than seven years.
IPC Section 397: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 397 addresses the offence of robbery or dacoity when the perpetrators, at the time of committing the crime, attempt to cause death or grievous hurt. This section specifically targets scenarios where, during the act of robbery or dacoity, the offenders use or attempt to use lethal force or cause significant harm. The law here recognizes the increased danger and trauma inflicted on victims when such extreme violence is part of the criminal act.
Is IPC Section 397 bailable?
IPC Section 397 is non-bailable. The serious nature of the offence, involving threats or acts of significant violence during high-impact crimes like robbery or dacoity, necessitates a higher level of judicial oversight for any bail considerations.
IPC Section 397 Punishment
The punishment under IPC Section 397 is rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to life or for a term which shall not be less than seven years. This severe penalty reflects the potentially life-threatening danger posed to victims and the need to deter such violent criminal behaviour.
Example of IPC Section 397
A real-life example of IPC Section 397 occurred when a group of four individuals attempted to rob a jewellery store. During the heist, one of the robbers fired a shot at a store employee in an attempt to intimidate the others and expedite their access to the valuables. Although the employee was injured but survived, the act of firing with intent to cause serious harm elevated the crime. The culprits were caught soon after due to immediate police response and surveillance footage. Given the use of a firearm with the intent to cause grievous hurt during the robbery, the robbers were charged under IPC Section 397. In court, they received life sentences, underlining the law’s strict approach to punishing robbery or dacoity combined with such dangerous actions.
