Skip to main content
Adhikar is an independent citizen-awareness initiative — not a Government of India website.
Home BNS Explained Homicide, Hurt & Kidnapping
§137

Kidnapping

Plain-English Summary — Not Verbatim Statutory Text

Covers kidnapping from lawful guardianship (taking a minor — now defined the same way regardless of gender — or a person of unsound mind away from a lawful guardian without consent) and kidnapping from India (conveying a person beyond India's borders without their consent).

  • BNS removed the earlier distinction that treated minor boys and girls differently for kidnapping purposes — the protection now applies equally to "any child."

This is the general kidnapping offence; more specific, harsher provisions elsewhere cover kidnapping for ransom or for particular unlawful purposes.

This is a plain-English summary, not verbatim statutory text. Adhikar is an independent citizen-awareness platform, not a Government of India website. Always verify against the bare Act (legislative.gov.in) or a qualified advocate before relying on this for an actual legal situation.