Mischief by killing or maiming animal
What this section does
This section specifically addresses mischief committed against animals by killing, poisoning, maiming, or rendering them useless. It prescribes a higher punishment than basic mischief, reflecting the gravity of harm to living property.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or fine, or both.
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- No
- Bailable
- Yes
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused committed mischief (as defined in section 324)
- The mischief was committed by killing, poisoning, maiming, or rendering useless any animal
Practitioner note
IPC ss.428 and 429 distinguished between animals of value below and above fifty rupees; BNS s.325 consolidates both into a single provision without a monetary threshold for the animal's value.
Derived from IPC s.428 / IPC s.429.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 325, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 325 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.