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Home BNS Explained Theft, Robbery & Cheating
§318

Cheating

Plain-English Summary — Not Verbatim Statutory Text

Committed when a person deceives another, fraudulently or dishonestly induces them to deliver property (or to consent to someone retaining property), or intentionally induces them to do or not do something they wouldn't have if not deceived, causing them harm.

  • Deception plus resulting harm (usually financial) is the core of the offence — the specific form the deception takes doesn't have to be listed in advance.

This is the broad, general fraud offence — most scam and fraud situations (online or offline) start with this as the applicable charge.

Cross-References

Related law

BNS Sec. 319

The specific, aggravated version of cheating involving impersonation

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.