Whoever intentionally puts any person in fear of any injury to that person, or to any other, and thereby dishonestly induces the person so put in fear to deliver to any person any property, or valuable security or anything signed or sealed which may be converted into a valuable security, commits “extortion”.
Illustrations
- A threatens to publish a defamatory libel concerning Z unless Z gives him money. He thus induces Z to give him money. A has committed extortion.
- A threatens Z that he will keep Z’ child in wrongful confinement, unless Z will sign and deliver to A a promissory note binding Z to pay certain monies to A to Z sings and delivers the note. A has committed extortion.
- A threatens to send club-men to plough up Z’ field unless Z will sign and deliver to B a bond binding Z under a penalty to deliver certain produce to B, and thereby induces Z to sign and deliver the bond. A has committed extortion.
- A, by putting Z in fear of grievous hurt, dishonestly induces Z to sign or affix his seal to a blank paper and deliver it to A. Z sings and delivers the paper to A. Here, as the paper so signed may be converted into a valuable security A has committed extortion.
IPC Section 383: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 383 defines the offence of extortion. It occurs when a person intentionally puts another person in fear of injury to that person or to any other and thereby dishonestly induces the person so put in fear to deliver to any person any property or valuable security or anything signed or sealed that may be converted into a valuable security. Essentially, extortion involves coercing someone into giving up property, money, or valuable securities by threatening them with harm or other adverse consequences.
Is IPC Section 383 bailable?
IPC Section 383 is non-bailable. The serious nature of the threats involved and the potential harm make this offence non-bailable, and the accused must appear before a court to seek bail.
IPC Section 383 Punishment
The punishment for extortion under IPC Section 383 can be imprisonment of either description for a term that may extend to three years, with a fine, or with both. The exact nature of the punishment depends on the severity of the threat, the value of the property involved, and other aggravating or mitigating factors.
Example of IPC Section 383
A real-life example of IPC Section 383 involved a businessman who received threatening calls demanding a large sum of money in exchange for the safety of his family. The caller threatened harm to the businessman’s children if the demand was not met. The businessman reported the threats to the police, who traced the calls and apprehended the extortionist. The accused had no prior connection to the businessman but had chosen him randomly based on perceived wealth. In court, the extortionist was convicted under IPC Section 383 and sentenced to three years in prison along with a substantial fine, reflecting the severity of the threats and the psychological impact on the victims.
