Extortion

What this section does

Defines extortion as intentionally putting a person in fear of injury to induce them to deliver property or a valuable security, and prescribes a graduated scale of punishments depending on the nature of the threat and whether extortion was actually committed or merely attempted.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Quick reference

Punishment

Extortion (basic): imprisonment of either description up to 7 years, or fine, or both (sub-section 2). Putting a person in fear to commit extortion (attempt): up to 2 years, or fine, or both (sub-section 3). Putting/attempting to put in fear of death or grievous hurt to commit extortion: up to 7 years and fine (sub-section 4). Extortion by putting in fear of death or grievous hurt: up to 10 years and fine (sub-section 5). Putting/attempting to put in fear of accusation of serious offence to commit extortion: up to 10 years and fine (sub-section 6). Extortion by putting in fear of accusation of serious offence: up to 10 years and fine (sub-section 7).

Triable by

Magistrate of First Class

Cognizable

Yes

Bailable

No

Compoundable

No

Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)

1. Accused intentionally put a person in fear of injury (to that person or any other)
2. By such fear, the accused dishonestly induced the person to deliver property, valuable security, or anything convertible into a valuable security

• IPC Section 383 — Extortion