BNS Section 145 – Habitual dealing in slaves

IPC Section – 371

Cognizable offence
punishable with imprisonment for life or either term
not exceeding ten years and with fine

Whoever habitually imports, exports, removes, buys, sells, traffics or deals in slaves, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Habitual Dealing in Slaves (BNS-145)

1. What is the Offence?

This law targets individuals who habitually engage in slavery-related activities, including:

• Importing, exporting, removing, buying, selling, trafficking, or dealing in slaves.

2. Key Elements of the Offence

• Habitual Offence: The offender must be habitually involved in slavery-related activities.
• Severity: The law reflects the gravity of the offence by imposing strict penalties.

3. Punishment

• Imprisonment for life, or
• Imprisonment for up to 10 years, and
• Fine.

4. Type of Offence

• Cognizable: Police can arrest without a warrant.
• Non-bailable: The accused cannot claim bail as a right.
• Court: The case will be tried by the Court of Session.

5. Purpose of the Law

• The law aims to deter and punish habitual offenders involved in the illegal practice of slavery.
• It ensures stricter consequences for those continuously engaged in slavery-related activities.

Summary of the Offence