Robbery, or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt
What this section does
This section prescribes a mandatory minimum sentence for robbery or dacoity committed with aggravating circumstances. Where the offender uses a deadly weapon, causes grievous hurt, or attempts to cause death or grievous hurt during the commission of robbery or dacoity, the imprisonment must be at least seven years.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment not less than 7 years (mandatory minimum; upper limit governed by the underlying robbery/dacoity provision).
- Triable by
- Sessions Court
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- Commission of robbery or dacoity
- During such commission: use of a deadly weapon, OR causing of grievous hurt to any person, OR attempt to cause death or grievous hurt to any person
Practitioner note
This section imposes a mandatory minimum of 7 years; courts cannot award a lesser sentence. It operates as an aggravated form of robbery/dacoity and does not itself prescribe a maximum — the maximum is drawn from the applicable robbery or dacoity provision.
Derived from IPC s.397.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 311, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 311 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.