Whoever kidnaps or abducts any child under the age of ten years with the intention of taking dishonestly any movable property from the person of such child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
IPC Section 369: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 369 of the Indian Penal Code addresses the offence of “kidnapping or abducting a child under ten years with the intent to steal from its person.” This section specifically targets situations where an individual kidnaps or abducts a child under the age of ten, with the primary motive being to steal something from the child. This law aims to protect young children from being exploited or taken advantage of due to their vulnerability.
Key elements of this section include:
- Kidnapping or Abduction of a Child: The person must kidnap or abduct a child under the age of ten years.
- Intent to Steal: The act must be carried out to steal something from the child’s person.
Is IPC Section 369 Bailable?
Yes, IPC Section 369 is a bailable offence. This means that an individual charged under this section can obtain bail from the police station or through the court, depending on the specifics of the case and the authorities’ discretion.
IPC Section 369 Punishment
The Punishment under IPC Section 369 for kidnapping or abducting a child under ten years with the intent to steal from its person includes:
- Imprisonment: Imprisonment of either description for a term extending to seven years.
- Fine: The individual is also liable to a fine.
The Punishment reflects the serious nature of the offence and the need to protect young children from being targeted for theft.
Example of IPC Section 369
A real-life example of IPC Section 369 involved a man observing a young child playing alone in a park. He lured the child away from the playground to steal the expensive watch the child was wearing, a gift from the child’s parents. The man was apprehended by a passerby who noticed the suspicious behaviour and alerted the authorities. The child was safely returned to their parents, and the man was charged under IPC Section 369. He was found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment and a fine in court. This case highlighted the importance of vigilance in public spaces and the legal protections to safeguard children from predatory acts.
In another instance, a woman abducted a child from a shopping mall, aiming to steal the jewellery the child was wearing. Security cameras captured the act, leading to her quick arrest. The woman was charged under IPC Section 369 for her intent to exploit the child’s vulnerability for theft. The case served as a reminder of the severe legal consequences of targeting children in criminal acts.
