Theme: Crimes & Violence

Theft of Vehicles

Taking away someone else’s vehicle(s), like a scooty, car, cycle, etc., without their consent is considered as theft.1 For example, if Ram has parked his car and Sham takes it away, it will be considered as theft.

This is punishable with  jail time of up to 3 years and/or a fine.2 If your vehicle has been stolen, read here to understand the steps/options you can take to complain.

  1. Section 303(1), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; New India Assurance Co. Ltd v. Appliance Technologies India. [↩]
  2. Section 303(2), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]

Complaining Against Ragging

For ragging, you can complain to the college authorities, the national helpline or the police. Please note that another person can also complain on your behalf.1 You can complain to the following authorities:

National Anti-Ragging Helpline

The University Grants Commission has set up https://www.ugc.ac.in/page/helpline.aspx a helpline number and email address that you can reach out to, in case you are being ragged. The helpline number is 1800 – 180 – 5522, and the email address is helpline@antiragging.in.

Online Complaint 

The University Grants Commission has set up a web portal where you can lodge an online complaint. To lodge a complaint, go here, where you will be asked to give certain details, like your name, the college, the details of the incident, etc. Try to give as much detail as you can.  You can also track your complaint here by clicking on “Track Complaint”.

Anti-Ragging Squad 

You can lodge a complaint with your college’s Anti-Ragging Squad. The Squad will investigate2 the complaint, determine the nature of the case and its severity, and give its recommendations to the Anti-Ragging Committee. The Committee will then punish the students responsible for ragging.3

Please note that you can also approach any member of the faculty or the Head of the college to complain about ragging as well.4

Police 

In case of a serious case of ragging, you can complain to the police, and file an FIR against the student(s) responsible for ragging you. In such a case, the police will investigate the matter, and take required steps to punish the students responsible for ragging.

  1. Section 6.2 (g), the UGC Regulations On Curbing The Menace Of Ragging In Higher Educational Institutions, 2009. [↩]
  2. Section 9.1 (a), the UGC Regulations On Curbing The Menace Of Ragging In Higher Educational Institutions, 2009. [↩]
  3. Section 9.1, the UGC Regulations On Curbing The Menace Of Ragging In Higher Educational Institutions, 2009. [↩]
  4. Section 9.3, the UGC Regulations On Curbing The Menace Of Ragging In Higher Educational Institutions, 2009. [↩]

Are the offences bailable or non-bailable/ cognizable?

The crime of throwing or helping someone throw acid, is both cognizable and non-bailable.1

A cognizable offence is a crime for which a police officer can arrest the perpetrator without a warrant.2

Non-bailable offence is a crime for which bail is not a right and the discretion lies with the court to either grant it or not. To learn more about bail in non-bailable offences, you can read our explainer on Bail for Non-Bailable Offences.

  1. Section 124, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  2. Section 2(g), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. [↩]

Sexual Penetration of a Child

Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on sexual and physical violence which some readers may find disturbing.

When a person inserts any object or any body part into any body part of a child, or forces the child to do this with someone, it is a crime of penetrative sexual assault. This includes(( Section 3, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.)):

  • Penetrating the vagina, mouth, urethra, or anus of any child with a penis, another body part, or an object.
  • Forcing a child to use their penis to penetrate another person or thing.
  • Performing oral sex on a child or forcing a child to perform oral sex on someone else.

The punishment for this is jail time of ten years to life imprisonment along with a fine.(( Section 4, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.))

If the child is above the age of 16 as is tried as an adult in court, then the punishment is higher and the child would be facing trial for the crime of rape.(( Section 376 (1), Indian Penal Code, 1860.)) If the offender is a person in a position of trust or authority, then the crime is known as Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault,(( Section 5, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.)) which has a higher degree of punishment.

What is Gang Rape?

[Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on physical violence and sexual violence which some readers may find disturbing.]

Gang rape refers to the rape of a woman by multiple people/a group of people acting together with the common intention to rape. In a case of gang rape, each person in the group is guilty of the crime1.

The punishment for gang rape2 is rigorous imprisonment for twenty years to imprisonment for the rest of the perpetrator’s natural life and fine. If the survivor is below eighteen years, the punishment is life imprisonment for the rest of the perpetrator’s life along with  fine, or death. Further, the perpetrators must pay a fine that is just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the survivor. The fine is paid to the survivor.

 

 

  1. Section 70(1), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 [↩]
  2. Section 70, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 [↩]

Cyber Stalking

If any person monitors the following used by a woman, it amounts to cyber stalking:

  • Internet
  • Email
  • Any other form of electronic communication
  • Social media platforms

For example, if someone is contacting you on multiple social media platforms despite making it clear that you are not interested in interacting with this person, then this means that they are stalking you online.

Anyone who is stalking you, if convicted for the first time, can face jail time up to three years and a fine, and on the second conviction, jail time up to five years and a fine.1

  1. Section 78, The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]

What is an Inappropriate Sexual Touch?

[Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.]

If someone inappropriately touches a person with a sexual intention, it is a crime under the law. The touch may or may not be forceful, but the perpetrator will still be punished for their actions. Under the law, only a man can be punished for the crime.1

The sexual touch is inappropriate if it is with a sexual intention and without a person’s consent. Some examples are:

  • Making someone feel uncomfortable, scared or annoyed. For example, touching a person longer than needed.
  • Touching a person with the intention to sexually harass them.2 For example, touching a person without their permission on any visible skin on a person’s body, be it under or over their clothes.
  • Causing any injury or harm to the person.3 For example, spanking a person4 or forcefully touching their body.5

The punishment for inappropriately touching someone is a jail time of minimum one year and maximum five years with a fine.6

  1. Section 74 and 75(1)(i),Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  2. Ramkripal v. State of Madhya Pradesh, (2007) 11 SCC 265. [↩]
  3.  Section 129, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  4. Mrs. Rupan Deol Bajaj & Anr v. Kanwar Pal Singh Gill & Anr 1995 SCC (6) 194. [↩]
  5. State of Rajasthan v. Hetram, 1982 Cr LR ( Raj) 522, T Manikandan v. State of Delhi and Others CRL.REV.P. 404/2016 Order dated: 10.01.2017,  Digamber Harinkhede and Chhotu Alias Hanslal Harinkhede v. State of Madhya Pradesh. [↩]
  6.  Section 74, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]

Locking Up LGBTQ+ Persons

If you are being obstructed from leaving a place or you are confined inside a particular area, for example, you are locked inside a room, then you are being detained illegally under the law.  This is known as wrongful confinement and anyone confining you may face jail time up to 1 year and/or a fine of Rs. 1000.

If your family forcibly confines you inside the house to prevent you from being with your partner, or out of anger for expressing your newly identified gender or sexual orientation, this is a crime under the law and no one can forcibly confine you against your will as it violates your liberty and freedom of movement.1

Contact People to Help You

To get out of such a situation and to get immediate help, you can call:

  • Helplines who will send police officers or guide you on immediate steps to take.
  • NGOs who will be able to free you from such situations.
  • Close and trusted family and friends.

File a Complaint

You can approach the nearest police station regardless of your gender identity or sexual orientation and file an FIR against anyone who has locked you up or confined you wrongfully. You will have to file an FIR with the help of Section 127(1)/127(2) of the  Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

  1. Shivani Bhat v State NCT of Delhi  223 (2015) DLT 391. [↩]

Where can Domestic Violence Happen?

[Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on domestic violence which some readers may find disturbing.]

An act of domestic violence can happen anywhere. It need not always be confined to the house you are living in.1 Domestic violence can take place anywhere, like your place of employment or education, your child’s school, the marketplace, etc.2

You can file a complaint and with the help of a lawyer, go to Court to file a case against your harasser, regardless of where the domestic violence has happened.

Some states provide handbooks for ASHA workers where you can find more information on forms on violence and how to file a complaint to seek protection against domestic violence. For example, see this handbook published for ASHA in Chattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

  1. Bipin v. Meera D.S. 2017 (1) RCR (Criminal) 479. [↩]
  2. Section 18, The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. [↩]

What are the offences and punishments under this law ?

Every offence under this law is cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.(( Section 27, Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994.))

Offence Punishment
Violation of the law by any medical professional or any person who owns a registered centre, or is employed in or renders their professional or technical services at a registered centre. First offence – Jail time for up to 3 years, along with a fine of up to Rs. 10,000. Subsequent offences – Jail time for up to 5 years, along with a fine of up to Rs. 50,000.(( Section 23(1),Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994.))
For doctors and registered medical practitioners: Suspension of the registration until the case is disposed of and on conviction, removal of their name from the register for a period of five years for the first offence, and permanently for the subsequent offence.(( Section 23(2),Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994.)) First offence – Jail time for up to 3 years, along with a fine of up to Rs. 50,000. Subsequent offences – Jail time for up to 5 years, along with a fine of up to Rs. 1,00,000.(( Section 23(3),Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994.))
Any person seeking sex selection or prenatal diagnostic procedures and breaking the law (excluding pregnant women forced to undergo the procedure)(( Section 23(4),Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994.)) First offence – Jail time for up to 3 years, along with a fine of up to Rs. 50,000. Subsequent offences – Jail time for up to 5 years, along with a fine of up to Rs. 1,00,000.(( Section 23(3),Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994.))
Advertising sex determination or sex selection facilities Jail time for up to 3 years, along with a fine of up to Rs. 10,000.(( Section 22(3), Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994.))

Theft of Computer-Related Data

Sometimes, your personal data stored on the computer may be stolen. This is also a form of theft.

Identity theft is the act when someone dishonestly steals and uses any unique identifying feature which belongs to you, such as your password, electronic signature, etc. For example, if someone steals your password and uses it to post a picture through your social media account. This is punishable with jail time of up to 3 years and a fine of Rs. 1 lakh.1

Another theft of computer-related data refers to impersonation. Impersonation refers to when someone assumes a fake identity in order to deceive someone, by using some kind of a communication device. For example, if Ram pretends to be Sham online. This is punishable with jail time of up to 3 years and a fine of Rs. 1 lakh.2

Complaining about Theft of Computer-Related Data

In case of theft of computer-related data, please see here to understand the processes involved.

  1. Section 66C, The Information Technology Act, 2000. [↩]
  2. Section 66D, The Information Technology Act, 2000. [↩]

Appeal against Ragging Complaints

Sometimes, it is possible that in the case of a ragging complaint, a student feels aggrieved or upset by the decision given by the Anti-Ragging Committee. In such a case, you can appeal against the decision given. For example, Ram punched Shyam because Shyam, being a junior, did not agree to perform a dance.  Shyam reported this incident to the Anti-Ragging Committee. The Committee decided to suspend Ram from the college for a month, and Ram felt aggrieved by it. In such a case, Ram can appeal against the decision of the Anti Ragging Committee.

Any student can appeal against any punishment given by the Anti-Ragging Committee. However, the authority you appeal to will depend on who makes the decision for the punishment. See below to find the right authority to appeal to.1 It depends on whose decisions you are aggrieved by.

Appeal for Decision of a college affiliated with a University

If you are aggrieved by the decision of a college which is affiliated with a University, you must appeal to the Vice-Chancellor of the University. For example, if you study at Hansraj College, in Delhi, you must appeal to the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University.

Appeal for Decision of a University

If you are aggrieved by the decision of a University, you must appeal to the University’s Chancellor.

Appeal for Decision of an Institution of National Importance 

If you are aggrieved by the decision of an institution which is of national importance you must appeal to the Chancellor/Chairman of that institution. For instance, some examples are the National Institute of Technology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences. You can find a list of institutions of national importance.

  1. Section 9.1 (c), the UGC Regulations On Curbing The Menace Of Ragging In Higher Educational Institutions, 2009. [↩]

How do you seek medical treatment?

[Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on physical violence which some readers may find disturbing.]

The medical process for the treatment of acid attack survivors is:

Step 1: First Steps and Immediate Treatment

The survivor should be rushed to the nearest hospital to receive immediate medical treatment. The treatment must be provided free of cost.1 First aid must be administered and the survivor needs to be stabilized. Legal action can be taken against any hospital that refuses to provide medical assistance to the survivor.2

Step 2: Medical Treatment of Survivor

Once the survivor has received primary treatment, they may then either be shifted to a specialized hospital for further treatment or treated in that same hospital, if they have the facilities to do so.

Step 3: Medical Certificate for Survivor

The hospital where the survivor is first treated should provide the individual with a certificate stating that the person is a survivor of an acid attack. This certificate may be used for treatment and reconstructive surgeries or any other state government or Union Territory schemes that the person may wish to avail of.(( Laxmi v. Union of India and Others, (2016) 3 SCC 669, order dated 10/4/2015 [37].))  Further, it must be attached to the application for claiming compensation under the Victims Compensation Scheme.

  1. Section 397, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 [↩]
  2. Section 397, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 [↩]

Blackmailing a Child and Sexual Harassment

Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on sexual and physical violence which some readers may find disturbing.

If someone threatens a child or records((Section 11(v), The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.)) any sexual act done to a child, then anyone including the parents can complain against them. Blackmailing a child is a punishable crime punishable under the law with jail time of three years and/or a fine.(( Section 12, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.))

For example, if Seema’s tuition teacher has sexually abused her, recorded a video of it and blackmails her parents for favours or money, then the parents should immediately complain to the police and other authorities who will take action.

Anyone can call the police  to report the blackmail and the sexual abuse itself. Under the law, instances of blackmailing are classified as a crime of sexual harassment.(( Section 11, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.))  The punishment is jail time of two years and/or a fine.(( Section 503 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.))

Anonymous Threats and Blackmailing

If you get anonymous threats online or you are blackmailed online, you can file a complaint with the cyber cell. To file a complaint, it is not necessary to know who is responsible for the crime. You should try and tell the police whatever you know, but you don’t have to know all the details. The person threatening or blackmailing you may be punished with jail time up to seven years or a fine or both.1

  1. Section 351, The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 [↩]

What are Sexual Favours or Demands?

[Trigger Warning: This explainer contains information on physical violence, sexual violence, abuse and slurs which some readers may find disturbing.]

If anyone asks for or demands any sexual favours from a person without their consent and despite their disinterest, then it is a crime. Under the law, only a man can be punished for the crime.1

If the request or the demand is followed by someone physically hurting someone or using any kind of forceful behaviour, then there is a higher punishment for such actions. If the perpetrator’s behavior injures, creates fear or annoys a person and is done without their consent, then this means that the perpetrator is said to have used force on them.

For asking for sexual favours or making sexual demands the punishment is jail time up to three years and a fine.2

Place of Work 

If this happens to person at their place of work, then they not only have an option to go to the police, but can also file a complaint with the Internal Committee which is an internal mechanism in workplaces to deal with sexual harassment.3

  1. The State of Maharashtra vs. Allha Abdul Rahim Mohd. and Ors IV (2018) CCR 61(Bom.) [↩]
  2. Section 74, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  3. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. [↩]

Online Harassment and Violence against LGBTQ+ Persons

Online abuse happens on various platforms on the internet – social media, chat forums, etc. When faced with online abuse, your first step should be to see what the policy of the platform where the abuse is happening, and what steps the platform recommends for you to stop it.

You can complain to social media forums or platforms regardless of your gender or your sexual orientation and you can complain against anyone, but this policy differs across platforms so you should read the complaint policy of the platform you are facing abuse on.

You may face situations where someone is trying out your sexual orientation or gender identity without your permission. You can take immediate action by blocking or reporting them. If you are being harassed with calls or texts on your phone, you can block them on your phone itself.

If the administrators of the platform are not being responsive or the kind of harassment you are facing is severe and repetitive, then you can also file a complaint at the local police station or cyber cell only if you are a woman/trans-woman. If you are a man/trans-man, you will be able to file an FIR with the laws which punish those who hurt or injure you.

You can complain if the following happens to you:

Account Takeover

  • If your account has been taken over without your permission or someone has unauthorized access to your account.
  • If someone has stolen your identity online by using your password or your digital signature etc.
  • If someone is causing trouble for you online if they are impersonating or pretending to be you or someone else.

Violation of Privacy

Blackmail

  • If someone is blackmailing you online for money or favors.

Abusive Threats and Language

If someone is threatening to hurt you by giving physical threats against you online.

What are the Rights and Remedies for Victims against Domestic Violence?

[Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on domestic violence which some readers may find disturbing.]

Victims of domestic violence have certain rights under the domestic law as well as remedies to protect themselves and their children. The Protection Officer, or a service provider, has a duty to inform you of these rights and remedies.

Rights under the law

You have a right to:

Remedies under the law

In addition to the rights that you have, you can also avail certain remedies from the Court. You can:

Receive monetary compensation for physical injuries, loss of property, etc.

Foeticide and Infanticide

If a sex determination procedure results in the abortion of a child, it would be a crime of foeticide.

Before 20 weeks

It is a crime to force a woman to abort her foetus, and for a woman to abort her foetus before 20 weeks without the doctor’s approval.

After 20 weeks

If anyone aborts a child after 20 weeks without permission of the Court, then they have committed a crime of foeticide. The Court only gives permission to conduct an abortion after 20 weeks in specific circumstances.

After birth

Killing or causing the death of a child after they are born is a crime known as infanticide, and punishable under the law.

The punishment for foeticide and infanticide is jail time up to 10 years and/or fine.(( Section 315, The Indian Penal Code, 1860.))

To know more about permitted abortions, please refer to our explainer on Abortion.

Women’s Right to Take Possession of the Dowry

If dowry has been given or taken at or after your wedding and the same is received by your husband or in-laws or any other person, they have to hand it over to you as it is your property.

You have a right to any property given as dowry to your husband and his family.

There is a duty on a person who receives the dowry, to hand it over to the bride itself.

If you fail to do so, you can be punished with jail time anywhere between 6 months to two years and/or fine between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 10,000.

There are different guidelines on this based on when the property was received by your husband or in-laws.

For Example, Raj and Simran get married on August 20th. Simran’s father has given a new house as dowry to Raj’s uncle, Aman in connection with the marriage. In this case, Aman must give it to Simran otherwise he will be punished under the law.

  • If the property was received before the wedding, then Aman must give it to Simran within 3 months of the wedding (before 20th November)
  • If the property was received on the day of the wedding or after, then Aman must give it to Simran within 3 months from the date on which he received it.
  • If Simran was below 18 at the time of her wedding, then Aman must give the car to Simran within 3 months of her turning 18. Aman must keep it in trust for her till she turns 18.

If you die before taking possession of the dowry/property, then your heirs can claim it from your husband or in-laws.

If you die within 7 years of the marriage, then the property will be transferred to your children. It will be held in trust for them until they are 18. If you have no children, the property will go to your parents.

Theft of Electricity

Theft of electricity happens when someone tampers meters, damages electric meters or equipment, etc.1

Punishment for Theft of Electricity

  • The punishment for theft of electricity is jail time of up to 3 years and/or a fine.
    • If the amount of electricity stolen does not exceed 10 kilowatt, then the fine on first offence will be at least 3 times of the financial gain caused by the theft, and it will be 6 times on every subsequent conviction.
    • In case the amount stolen exceeds 10 kilowatts, then one may be punished with jail time between 6 months and 5 years, in addition to a fine. In this case, one will also be debarred from getting any supply of electricity for a period between 3 months and 2 years.
  • The suppliers of electricity can cut off the supply of electricity if a consumer is found guilty of theft of electricity, without issuing a notice, and this supply will be restored only once the consumer has paid a fine and compensated the supplier.2

Complaining about Theft of Electricity

To report theft of electricity, you should approach the respective electricity providing board/corporation in your state. For example, for Delhi, you can lodge a complaint with BSES Rajdhani, you can use WhatsApp to submit information related to the problem at 9555010022. Read more here to see how to file a complaint with BSES Rajdhani.

  1. Section 135, The Electricity Act, 2003. [↩]
  2. MP Electricity Board v. Harsh Wood Product. [↩]

Punishment for Ragging

If any student is caught ragging another student, he or she can be punished. Additionally, the punishment can be in the form of:

  • Administrative actions against the student – For example, suspension from the college, suspension from the hostel, etc.
  • Police complaint against the student – If a complaint or FIR is filed against the student, then a case can be made under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) which will lead to more serious charges, like jail time or a fine.

Administrative Punishments

If you are caught ragging, the Anti-Ragging Committee can punish you with:1

  • Suspension from attending classes and academic privileges.
  • Withholding/withdrawing scholarship/fellowship and other benefits.
  • Debarring you from appearing in any test/examination.
  • Withholding results.
  • Debarring you from representing the college in any regional, national or international meet, tournament, youth festival, etc.
  • Suspension/expulsion from the hostel.
  • Cancellation of admission.
  • Rustication from the college for a period ranging from one to four semesters.
  • Expulsion from the college and consequent debarring from admission to any other college for a specified period.

Police Complaint

In more serious cases of ragging,2 if an FIR or police complaint is filed, the student may be punished under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Some of the acts that are punishable under the BNS are:

Physical Abuse 

Ragging may include subjecting a student to physical abuse and violence. Some instances are:

  • If a person intentionally hurts someone,3 he can be punished with jail time of up to 1 year and/or a fine up to Rs. 1000.4 For example, punching a student or kicking a student.
  • If someone intentionally causes someone grievous hurt,5 he can be punished with jail time of up to 7 years and a fine.6 For example, beating up a student which results in fractures or injuries.
  • If someone intentionally uses any kind of force on someone without that person’s consent which may cause an injury, fear or annoyance,7 he can be punished with jail time of up to 3 months and/or a fine up to Rs. 1000.8 It is punishable. For example, pushing a student onto the road to scare him or locking a student in a room for days.

Sexual Abuse

If someone sexually abuses a student while ragging them, it is an offence. For example, if someone touches a woman sexually and forcefully, or harasses her, or stalks her, it is an offence. Read more here.

Restricting Movement 

Ragging may include restricting the movement of a student or locking him up. Some instances are:

  • It is an offence if someone voluntarily obstructs a person so he is not able to move in a certain direction.9 For example, not letting a student come to the college canteen by obstructing his way. The punishment for this is jail time of up to 1 month and/or a fine of Rs. 5000.10
  • It is an offence if someone voluntarily restrains a person so that he is not able to move beyond a certain limit (i.e. locking him up).11 For example, if a student ties up another student to a tree, it can be considered a crime under this law. The punishment for this is jail time of up to 1 year and/or a fine up to Rs. 5000.12

Blackmail 

Ragging may include subjecting a student to blackmail and intimidation. Some instances are:

  • Scaring someone or threatening to hurt him to make him give something of value.13 For example, Ram threatens Shyam that unless Shyam gives him money, Ram will publish defamatory material about him, and so Shyam gives him money. Thus, Ram has committed this offence. The punishment for this is jail time up to 7 years and/or a fine.14
  • Threatening someone, his reputation, his property or anything else the person is interested to make him or not make him do something or alarm that person.15 For example, if Ram threatens Shyam that unless Shyam gives him money, Ram will burn his house, and because of this Shyam gives him money, Ram has committed this offence. The punishment for this is at least jail time of up to 2 years and/or a fine.16 The punishment may be more severe in other cases. 

However, please note it is ragging even if someone attempts or threats to commit any of these acts. Additionally, you can also complain on someone else’s behalf. Learn more here on how to complain against ragging.

  1. Section 9.1, the UGC Regulations On Curbing The Menace Of Ragging In Higher Educational Institutions, 2009. [↩]
  2. Section 7, the UGC Regulations On Curbing The Menace Of Ragging In Higher Educational Institutions, 2009. [↩]
  3. Section 115(1), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  4. Section 115(2), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  5. Section 117(1), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  6. Section 117(2), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  7. Section 129, The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  8. Section 131, The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  9. Section 126(1), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  10. Section 126(2), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  11. Section 127(1), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  12. Section 127(2), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  13. Section 308(1), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  14. Section 308(2), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  15. Section 351(1), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. [↩]
  16. Section 351(2)/(3), The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 . [↩]