BNS Section 354 – Act caused by inducing person to believe that he will be rendered an object of the Divine displeasure
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section – 508
Understanding Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 354: Using Divine Threats to Force Actions
This law deals with forcing someone to act or not act by scaring them with divine punishment (like anger from God or gods). Here’s a simple breakdown:
What is the Crime?
If a person:
- Threatens or tricks someone into believing they (or someone they care about) will face divine displeasure (God’s anger, bad luck, curses, etc.),
- To force them to do something they are not legally bound to do,
- Or to stop them from doing something they have a legal right to do,
they are committing a crime under this section.
Punishment: Up to 1 year in jail OR fine OR both.
Key Points in Simple Table
| Crime | Punishment | Police Action | Bail? | Trial Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using divine threats to force actions | Up to 1 year jail OR fine OR both | Non-cognizable | Bailable | Any Magistrate |
Examples of the Crime
- Example 1: Ramesh sits outside Priya’s house (dharna) and claims Priya will face God’s anger if she doesn’t give him money. This is a crime.
- Example 2: Vijay threatens to harm his own child unless Zara attends a religious event, making Zara believe it will anger God. This is also a crime.
Why is This Law Important?
- People often use religious beliefs or superstitions to scare others into obeying them.
- This law protects individuals from being bullied or forced through fake divine threats.
Conclusion
BNS Section 354 punishes those who use fake divine threats to control others’ actions. The punishment can be up to 1 year in jail, a fine, or both. Always respect others’ rights and avoid using religious fears to manipulate them.
