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1The Penal Code, 1860

( ACT NO. XLV OF 1860 )

Chapter XVI

OF OFFENCES AFFECTING THE HUMAN BODY

Of Offences affecting Life

Culpable homicide
299. Whoever causes death by doing an act with the intention of causing death, or with the intention of causing such bodily injury as is likely to cause death, or with the knowledge that he is likely by such act to cause death, commits the offence of culpable homicide.
 
 
Illustrations
 
 
(a) A lays sticks and turf over a pit, with the intention of thereby causing death, or with the knowledge that death is likely to be thereby caused. Z, believing the ground to be firm, treads on it, falls in and is killed. A has committed the offence of culpable homicide.
 
 
(b) A knows Z to be behind a bush. B does not know it. A, intending to cause, or knowing it to be likely to cause Z's death induces B to fire at the bush. B fires and kills Z. Here B may be guilty of no offence; but A has committed the offence of culpable homicide.
 
 
(c) A, by shooting at a fowl with intent to kill and steal it, kills B, who is behind a bush; A not knowing that he was there. Here, although A was doing an unlawful act, he was not guilty of culpable homicide, as he did not intend to kill B or cause death by doing an act that he knew was likely to cause death.
 
 
Explanation 1. A person who causes bodily injury to another who is labouring under a disorder, disease or bodily infirmity, and thereby accelerates the death of that other, shall be deemed to have caused his death.
 
 
Explanation 2. Where death is caused by bodily injury, the person who causes such bodily injury shall be deemed to have caused the death, although by resorting to proper remedies and skilful treatment the death might have been prevented.
 
 
Explanation 3. The causing of the death of a child in the mother's womb is not homicide. But it may amount to culpable homicide to cause the death of a living child, if any part of that child has been brought forth, though the child may not have breathed or been completely born.
Murder
300. Except in the cases hereinafter excepted, culpable homicide is murder, if the act by which the death is caused is done with the intention of causing death, or-
 
 
Secondly.-If it is done with the intention of causing such bodily injury as the offender knows to be likely to cause the death of the person to whom the harm is caused, or –
 
 
Thirdly.-If it is done with the intention of causing bodily injury to any person and the bodily injury intended to be inflicted is sufficient in the ordinary course of nature to cause death, or –
 
 
Fourthly.--f the person committing the act knows that it is so imminently dangerous that it must, in all probability, cause death, or such bodily injury as is likely to cause death, and commits such act without any excuse for incurring the risk of causing death or such injury as aforesaid.
 
 
Illustrations
 
 
(a) A shoots Z with the intention of killing him. Z dies in consequence. A commits murder.
 
 
(b) A, knowing that Z is labouring under such a disease that a blow is likely to cause his death, strikes him with the intention of causing bodily injury. Z dies in consequence of the blow. A is guilty of murder, although the blow might not have been sufficient in the ordinary course of nature to cause the death of a person in a sound state of health. But if A, not knowing that Z is labouring under any disease, gives him such a blow as would not in the ordinary course of nature kill a person in a sound state of health, here A, although he may intend to cause bodily injury, is not guilty of murder, if he did not intend to cause death or such bodily injury as in the ordinary course of nature would cause death.
 
 
(c) A intentionally gives Z a sword-cut or club-wound sufficient to cause the death of a man in the ordinary course of nature. Z dies in consequence. Here A is guilty of murder, although he may not have intended to cause Z's death.
 
 
(d) A without any excuse fires a loaded cannon into a crowd of persons and kills one of them. A is guilty of murder, although he may not have had a premeditated design to kill any particular individual.
When culpable homicide is not murder
Exception 1.-Culpable homicide is not murder if the offender, whilst deprived of the power of self-control by grave and sudden provocation, causes the death of the person who gave the provocation or cause the death of any other person by mistake or accident.
 
 
The above exception is subject to the following provisos:
 
 
Firstly.-That the provocation is not sought or voluntarily provoked by the offender as an excuse for killing or doing harm to any person.
 
 
Secondly.-That the provocation is not given by anything done in obedience to the law, or by a public servant in the lawful exercise of the powers of such public servant.
 
 
Thirdly.-That the provocation is not given by anything done in the lawful exercise of the right of private defence.
 
 
Explanation.- Whether the provocation was grave and sudden enough to prevent the offence from amounting to murder is a question of fact.
 
 
Illustrations
 
 
(a) A, under the influence of passion excited by a provocation given by Z, intentionally kills Y, Z's child. This is murder, inasmuch as the provocation was not given by the child, and the death of the child was not caused by accident or misfortune in doing an act caused by the provocation.
 
 
(b) Y gives grave and sudden provocation to A. A, on this provocation fires a pistol at Y, neither intending nor knowing himself to be likely to kill Z, who is near him, but out of sight. A kills Z. Here A has not committed murder, but merely culpable homicide.
 
 
(c) A is lawfully arrested by Z, a bailiff. A is excited to sudden and violent passion by the arrest, and kills Z. This is murder, inasmuch as the provocation was given by a thing done by a public servant in the exercise of his powers.
 
 
(d) A appears as a witness before Z, a Magistrate. Z says that he does not believe a word of A's deposition, and that A has perjured himself, A is moved to sudden passion by these words, and kills Z. This is murder.
 
 
(e) A attempts to pull Z's nose. Z, in exercise of the right of private defense, lays hold of A to prevent him from doing so. A is moved to sudden and violent passion in consequence, and kills Z. This is murder, inasmuch as the provocation was given by a thing done in the exercise of the right of private defense.
 
 
(f) Z strikes B. B is by this provocation excited to violent rage. A, a by stander, intending to take advantage of B's rage, and to cause him to kill Z, puts a knife into B's hand for that purpose. B kills Z with the knife. Here B may have committed only culpable homicide, but A is guilty of murder.
 
 
Exception 2.- Culpable homicide is not murder if the offender, in the exercise in good faith of the right of private defense of person or property, exceeds the powers given to him by law and causes the death of the person against whom he is exercising such right of defense without premeditation, and without any intention of doing more harm than is necessary for the purpose of such defense.
 
 
Illustration
 
 
Z attempts to horsewhip A, not in such a manner as to cause grievous hurt to A. A draws out a pistol. Z persists in the assault. A believing in good faith that can by no other means prevent himself from being horsewhipped, shoots Z dead. A has not committed murder, but only culpable homicide.
 
 
Exception 3.- Culpable homicide is not murder if the offender, being a public servant or aiding a public servant acting for the advancement of public justice, exceeds the powers given to him by law, and causes death by doing an act which he, in good faith, believes to be lawful and necessary for the due discharge of his duty as such public servant and without ill-will towards the person whose death is caused.
 
 
Exception 4.-Culpable homicide is not murder if it is committed without premeditation in a sudden fight in the heat of passion upon a sudden quarrel and without the offender's having taken undue advantage or acted in a cruel or unusual manner.
 
 
Explanation.- It is immaterial in such cases which party offers the provocation or commits the first assault.
 
 
Exception 5.- Culpable homicide is not murder when the person whose death is caused, being above the age of eighteen years, suffers death or takes the risk of death with his own consent.
 
 
Illustration
 
 
A, by instigation, voluntarily causes Z, a person under eighteen years of age, to commit suicide. Here, on account of Z's youth, he was incapable of giving consent to his own death; A has therefore abetted murder.
Culpable homicide by causing death of person other than person whose death was intended
.
 
 
301. If a person, by doing anything which he intends or knows to be likely to cause death, commits culpable homicide by causing the death of any person, whose death he neither intends nor knows himself to be likely to cause, the culpable homicide committed by the offender is of the description of which it would have been if he had caused the death of the person whose death he intended or knew himself to be likely to cause.
Punishment for murder
302. Whoever commits murder shall be punished with death, or 2[imprisonment] for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
Punishment for murder by life-convict
303. Whoever, being under sentence of 3[imprisonment] for life, commits murder, shall be punished with death.
Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder
304. Whoever commits culpable homicide not amounting to murder, shall be punished with 4[imprisonment] for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine, if the act by which the death is caused is done with intention of causing death, or of causing such bodily injury as is likely to cause death;
 
 
or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both, if the act is done with the knowledge that it is likely to cause death, but without any intention to cause death or to cause such bodily injury as is likely to cause death.
Causing death by negligence
5[304A. Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 6[five] years, or with fine, or with both.]
Causing death by rash driving or riding on a public way
7[304B. Whoever causes the death of any person by rash or negligent driving of any vehicle or riding on any public way not amounting to culpable homicide shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 8[three years], or with fine, or with both.]
Abetment of suicide of child or insane person
305. If any person under eighteen years of age, any insane person, any delirious person, any idiot, or any person in a state of intoxication commits suicide, whoever abets the commission
 
 
of such suicide shall be punished with death or 9[imprisonment] for life, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Abetment of suicide
306. If any person commits suicide, whoever abets the commission of such suicide, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Attempt to murder Attempts by life-convicts
307. Whoever does any act with such intention or knowledge, and under such circumstances that, if he by that act caused death, he would be guilty of murder, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine; and, if hurt is caused to any person by such act, the offender shall be liable either to 10[imprisonment] for life, or to such punishment as is hereinbefore mentioned.
 
 
When any person offending under this section is under sentence of 11[imprisonment] for life, he may, if hurt is caused, be punished with death.
 
 
Illustration
 
 
(a) A shoots at Z with intention to kill him, under such circumstances that, if death ensued, A would be guilty of murder. A is liable to punishment under this section.
 
 
(b) A with the intention of causing the death of a child of tender years exposes it in a desert place. A has committed the offence defined by this section, though the death of the child does not ensue.
 
 
(c) A, intending to murder Z, buys a gun and loads it. A has not yet committed the offence. A fires the gun at Z. He has committed the offence defined in this section, and, if by such firing he wounds, he is liable to the punishment provided by the latter part of the first paragraph of this section.
 
 
(d) A, intending to murder Z, by poison, purchases poison and mixes the same with food which remains in A's keeping; A has not yet committed the offence in this section. A places the food on Z's table or delivers it to Z's servants to place it on Z's table. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
Attempt to commit culpable homicide
308. Whoever does any act with such intention or knowledge and under such circumstances that, if he by that act caused death, he would be guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both; and, if hurt is caused to any person by such act, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
 
 
Illustration
 
 
A, on grave and sudden provocation, fires a pistol at Z, under such circumstances that if he thereby caused death he would be guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
Attempt to commit suicide
309. Whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
Thug
310. Whoever, at any time after the passing of this Act, shall have been habitually associated with any other or others for the purpose of committing robbery or child-stealing by means of or accompanied with murder, is a thug.
Punishment
311. Whoever is a thug, shall be punished with 12[imprisonment] for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
 
 

Of the causing of Miscarriage, of Injuries to unborn Children, of the Exposure of Infants, and of the Concealment of Births.

Causing miscarriage
312. Whoever voluntarily causes a woman with child to miscarry, shall, if such miscarriage be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both; and, if the woman be quick with child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
 
 
Explanation.-A woman who causes herself to miscarry, is within the meaning of this section.
Causing miscarriage without women's consent
313. Whoever commits the offence defined in the last preceding section without the consent of the woman, whether the woman is quick with child or not, shall be punished with 13[imprisonment] for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Death caused by act done with intent to cause miscarriage
314. Whoever, with intent to cause the miscarriage of a woman with child, does any act which causes the death of such woman, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
 
 
for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine,
If act done without women's consent
and if the act is done without the consent of the woman, shall be punished either with 14[imprisonment] for life, or with the punishment above-mentioned.
 
 
Explanation.It is not essential to this offence that the offender should know that the act is likely to cause death.
Act done with intent to prevent child being born alive or to cause it to die after birth
315. Whoever before the birth of any child does any act with the intention of thereby preventing that child from being born alive or causing it to die after its birth, and does by such act prevent that child from being born alive, or causes it to die after its birth, shall, if such act be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the mother, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both.
Causing death of quick unborn child by act amounting to culpable homicide
316. Whoever does any act under such circumstances, that if he thereby caused death he would be guilty of culpable homicide, and does by such act cause the death of a quick unborn child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
 
 
Illustration
 
 
A, knowing that he is likely to cause the death of a pregnant woman, does an act which, if it caused the death of the woman, would amount to culpable homicide. The woman is injured but does not die; but the death of an unborn quick child with which she is pregnant thereby caused. A is guilty of the offence defined in this section.
Exposure and abandonment of child under twelve years by parent or person having care of it
317. Whoever being the father or mother of a child under the age of twelve years, or having the care of such child, shall expose or leave such child in any place with the intention of wholly abandoning such child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
 
 
Explanation.This section is not intended to prevent the trial of the offender for murder or culpable homicide, as the case may be, if the child die in consequence of the exposure.
Concealment of birth by secret disposal of dead body
318. Whoever, by secretly burying or otherwise disposing of the dead body of a child whether such child die before or after or during its birth, intentionally conceals or endeavours to conceal the birth of such child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Of Hurt

Hurt
319. Whoever causes bodily pain, disease or infirmity to any person is said to cause hurt.
Grievous hurt
320. The following kinds of hurt only are designated as "grievous":-
 
 
Firstly.-Emasculation.
 
 
Secondly.-Permanent privation of the sight of either eye.
 
 
Thirdly.-Permanent privation of the hearing of either ear.
 
 
Fourthly.-Privation of any member or joint.
 
 
 
 
Fifthly.-Destruction or permanent impairing of the powers of any member or joint.
 
 
 
 
Sixthly.-Permanent disfiguration of the head or face.
 
 
Seventhly.-Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth.
 
 
Eighthly.-Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be during the space of twenty days in severe bodily pain, or unable to follow his ordinary pursuits.
Voluntarily causing hurt
321. Whoever does any act with the intention of thereby causing hurt to any person, or with the knowledge that he is likely thereby to cause hurt to any person, and does thereby cause hurt to any person, is said "voluntarily to cause hurt".
Voluntarily causing grievous hurt
322. Whoever voluntarily causes hurt, if the hurt which he intends to cause or knows himself to be likely to cause is grievous hurt, and if the hurt which he causes is grievous hurt, is said “voluntarily to cause grievous hurt".
 
 
Explanation.-A person is not said voluntarily to cause grievous hurt except when he both causes grievous hurt and intends or knows himself to be likely to cause grievous hurt. But he is said voluntarily to cause grievous hurt, if intending or knowing himself to be likely to cause grievous hurt of one kind, he actually causes grievous hurt of another kind.
 
 
Illustration
 
 
A, intending or knowing himself to be likely permanently to disfigure Z's face, gives Z a blow which does not permanently disfigure Z's face, but which causes Z to suffer severe bodily pain for the space of twenty days. A has voluntarily caused grievous hurt.
Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt
323. Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 334, voluntarily causes hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand taka, or with both.
Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means
324. Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 334, voluntarily causes hurt by means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire
 
or any heated substance, or by means of any poison or any corrosive substance, or by means of any explosive substance or by means of any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow, or to receive into the blood, or by means of any animal, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
Punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt
325. Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means
326. Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous hurt by means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire or any heated substance, or by means of any poison or any corrosive substance, or by means of any explosive substance, or by means of any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow, or to receive into the blood, or by means of any animal, shall be punished with 15[imprisonment] for life or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Voluntarily causing grievous hurt in respect of both eyes, hand or face by means of corrosive substance, etc.
16[326A. Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous hurt of the kind mentioned in
 
 
(a) clause secondly of section 320 in respect of both the eyes either by gouging out the same or by means of any corrosive substance; or
 
 
(b) clause sixthly of section 320 by means of any corrosive substance,
 
 
shall be punished with death, or 17[imprisonment] for life and shall also be liable to fine.]
Voluntarily causing hurt to extort property or to constrain to an illegal act
327. Whoever voluntarily causes hurt, for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer, or from any person interested in the sufferer, any property or valuable security, or of constraining the sufferer, or any person interested in such sufferer to do anything which is illegal or which may facilitate the commission of an offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence
328. Whoever administers to or causes to be taken by any person any poison or any stupefying, intoxicating or un- wholesome drug, or other thing with intent to cause hurt to such person, or with intent to commit or to facilitate the commission of an offence or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act
329. Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer or from any person interested in the sufferer any property or valuable security, or of constraining the sufferer or any person interested in such sufferer to do anything that is illegal or which may facilitate the commission of an offence, shall be punished with 18[imprisonment] for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Voluntarily causing hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property
330. Whoever voluntarily causes hurt, for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer or any person interested in the sufferer, any confession or any information which may lead to the detection of an offence or misconduct, or for the purpose of constraining the sufferer or any person interested in the sufferer to restore or to cause the restoration of any property or valuable security or to satisfy any claim or demand, or to give information which may lead to the restoration of any property or valuable security, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
 
 
Illustrations
 
 
(a) A, a police-officer, tortures Z in order to induce Z to confess that he committed a crime. A is guilty of an offence under this section.
 
 
(a) A, a police-officer, tortures B to induce him to point out where certain stolen property is deposited. A is guilty of an offence under this section.
 
 
(b) A, a revenue officer, tortures Z in order to compel him to pay certain arrears of revenue due from Z. A is guilty of an offence under this section.
 
 
(c) A, a zamindar, tortures a raiyat in order to compel him to pay his rent. A is guilty of an offence under this section.
Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property
331. Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer or any person interested in the sufferer any confession or any information which may lead to the detection of an offence or misconduct, or for the purpose of constraining the sufferer or any person interested in the sufferer to restore or to cause the restoration of any property or valuable security or to satisfy any claim or demand or to give information which may lead to the restoration of any property or valuable security shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty
332. Whoever voluntarily causes hurt to any person being a public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person or any other public servant from discharging his duty as such public servant, or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty
333. Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt to any person being a public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person or any other public servant from discharging his duty as such public servant, or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Voluntarily causing hurt on provocation
334. Whoever voluntarily causes hurt on grave and sudden provocation, if he neither intends nor knows himself to be likely to cause hurt to any person other than the person who gave the provocation shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred taka, or with both.
Voluntarily causing grievous hurt on provocation
335. Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt on grave and sudden provocation, if he neither intends nor knows himself to be likely to cause grievous hurt to any person other than the person who gave the provocation shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to four years, or with fine which may extend to two thousand taka, or with both.
 
 
Explanation. The last two sections are subject to the same provisos as Exception 1, section 300.
Act endangering life or personal safety to others
336. Whoever does any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or the personal safety of others, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two hundred and fifty taka, or with both.
Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others
337. Whoever causes hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the personal safety of others shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred taka, or with both.
Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others
338. Whoever causes grievous hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the personal safety of others, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extent to two years, or with fine which may extend to 19[five thousand taka], or with both.
Causing grievous hurt by rush driving or riding on a public way
20[338A. Whoever causes grievous hurt to any person by driving any vehicle or riding on any public way so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the personal safety of others shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 21[two years], or with fine, or with both.]

Of Wrongful Restraint and Wrongful Confinement

Wrongful restraint
339. Whoever voluntarily obstructs any person so as to prevent that person from proceeding in any direction in which that person has a right to proceed, is said wrongfully to restrain that person.
 
 
Exception. The obstruction of a private way over land or water which a person in good faith believes himself to have a lawful right to obstruct, is not an offence within the meaning of this section.
 
 
Illustration
 
 
A obstructs a path along which Z has a right to pass, A not believing in good faith that he has a right to stop the path. Z is thereby prevented from passing. A wrongfully restrains Z.
Wrongful confinement
340. Whoever wrongfully restrains any person in such a manner as to prevent that person form proceeding beyond certain circumscribing limits, is said "wrongfully to confine" that person.
 
 
Illustrations
 
 
(a) A causes Z to go within a walled space, and locks Z in. Z is thus prevented from proceeding in any direction beyond the circumscribing line of wall. A wrongfully confines Z.
 
 
(b) A places men with firearms at the outlets of a building, and tells Z that they will fire at Z if Z attempts to leave the building. A wrongfully confines Z.
Punishment for wrongful restraint
341. Whoever wrongfully restrains any person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred taka, or with both.
Punishment for wrongful confinement
342. Whoever wrongfully confines any person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand taka, or with both.
Wrongful confinement for three or more days
343. Whoever wrongfully confines any person for three days or more, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Wrongful confinement for ten or more days
344. Whoever wrongfully confines any person for ten days, or more, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Wrongful confinement of person for whose liberation writ has been issued
345. Whoever keeps any person in wrongful confinement, knowing that a writ for the liberation of that person has been duly issued, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years in addition to any term of imprisonment to which he may be liable under any other section of this Chapter.
Wrongful confinement in secret
346. Whoever wrongfully confines any person in such manner as to indicate an intention that the confinement of such person may not be known to any person interested in the person so confined, or to any public servant, or that the place of such confinement may not be known to or discovered by any such person or public servant as hereinbefore mentioned, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years in addition to any other punishment to which he may be liable for such wrongful confinement.
Wrongful confinement to extort property or constrain to illegal act
347. Whoever wrongfully confines any person for the purpose of extorting from the person confined, or from any person interested in the person confined, any property or valuable security or of constraining the person confined or any person interested in such person to do anything illegal or to give any information which may facilitate the commission of an offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Wrongful confinement to extort confession or compel restoration of property
348. Whoever wrongfully confines any person for the purpose of extorting from the person confined or any person interested in the person confined any confession or any information which may lead to the detection of an offence or misconduct, or for the purpose of constraining the person confined or any person interested in the person confined to restore or to cause the restoration of any property or valuable security or to satisfy any claim or demand, or to give information which may lead to the restoration of any property or valuable security, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Of Criminal Force and Assault

Force
349. A person is said to use force to another if he causes motion, change of motion, or cessation of motion to that other, or if he causes to any substance such motion, or change of motion, or cessation of motion as brings that substance into contact with any part of that other's body, or with anything which that other is wearing or carrying, or with anything so situated that such contact affects that other's sense of feeling: Provided that the person causing the motion, or change of motion, or cessation of motion, causes that motion, change of motion, or cessation of motion in one of the three ways hereinafter described:
 
 
Firstly. By his own bodily power.
 
 
Secondly. By disposing any substance in such a manner that the motion or change or cessation of motion takes place without any further act on his part, or on the part of any other person.
 
 
Thirdly. By inducing any animal to move, to change its motion, or to cease to move.
Criminal force
350. Whoever intentionally uses force to any person, without that person's consent, in order to the committing of any offence, or intending by the use of such force to cause, or knowing it to be likely that by the use of such force he will cause injury, fear or annoyance to the person to whom the force is used, is said to use criminal force to that other.
 
 
Illustrations
 
 
(a) Z is sitting in a moored boat on a river. A unfastens the moorings, and thus intentionally causes the boat to drift down the stream. Here A intentionally causes motion to Z, and he does this by disposing substances in such a manner that the motion is produced without any other action on any person's part. A has therefore intentionally used force to Z; and if he has done so without Z's consent, in order to the committing of any offence, or intending or knowing it to be likely that this use of force will cause injury, fear or annoyance to Z, A has used criminal force to Z.
 
 
(b) Z is riding in a chariot. A lashes Z's horses, and thereby causes them to quicken their pace. Here A has caused change of motion to Z by inducing the animals to change their motion. A has therefore used force to Z; and if A has done this without Z's consent, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby injure, frighten or annoy Z, A has used criminal force to Z.
 
 
(c) Z is riding in a palanquin. A, intending to rob Z, seizes the pole and stops the palanquin. Here A has caused cessation of motion to Z, and he has done this by his own bodily power. A has therefore used force to Z; and as A has acted thus intentionally, without Z's consent, in order to the commission of an offence. A has used criminal force to Z.
 
 
(d) A intentionally pushes against Z in the street. Here A has by his own bodily power moved his own person so as to bring it into contact with Z. He has therefore intentionally used force to Z; and if he has done so without Z's consent, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby injure, frighten or annoy Z, he has used criminal force to Z.
 
 
(e) A throws a stone, intending or knowing it to be likely that the stone will be thus brought into contact with Z, or with Z's clothes, or with something carried by Z, or that it will strike water, and dash up the water against Z's clothes or something carried by Z. Here, if the throwing of the stone produce the effect of causing any substance to come into contact with Z, or Z's clothes, A has used force to Z; and if he did so without Z's consent, intending thereby to injure, frighten or annoy Z, he has used criminal force to Z.
 
 
(f) A intentionally pulls up a woman's veil. Here A intentionally uses force to her, and if he does so without her consent intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby injure, frighten or annoy her, he has used criminal force to her.
 
 
(g) Z is bathing, A pours into the bath water which he knows to be boiling. Here A intentionally by his own bodily power causes such motion in the boiling water as brings that water into contact with Z, or with other water so situated that such contact must affect Z's sense of feeling: A has therefore intentionally used force to Z; and if he has done this without Z's consent intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause injury, fear or annoyance to Z, A has used criminal force.
 
 
(h) A incites a dog to spring upon Z, without Z's consent. Here, if A intends to cause injury, fear or annoyance to Z, he uses criminal force to Z.
Assault
351. Whoever makes any gesture, or any preparation intending or knowing it to be likely that such gesture or preparation will cause any person present to apprehend that he who makes that gesture or preparation is about to use criminal force to that person, is said to commit an assault.
 
 
Explanation.- Mere words do not amount to an assault. But the words which a person uses may give to his gestures or preparation such a meaning as may make those gestures or preparations amount to an assault.
 
 
Illustrations
 
 
(a) A shakes his fist at Z, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause Z to believe that A is about to strike Z. A has committed an assault.
 
 
(b) A begins to unloose the muzzle of a ferocious dog, intending, or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause Z to believe that he is about to cause the dog to attack Z. A has committed an assault upon Z.
 
 
(c) A takes up a stick, saying to Z, "I will give you a beating". Here, though the words used by A could in no case amount to an assault, and though the mere gesture, unaccompanied by any other circumstances, might not amount to an assault, the gesture explained by the words may amount to an assault.
Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation
352. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person otherwise than on grave and sudden provocation given by that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred taka, or with both.
 
 
Explanation.- Grave and sudden provocation will not mitigate the punishment for an offence under this section, if the provocation is sought or voluntarily provoked by the offender as an excuse for the offence, or
 
 
if the provocation is given by anything done in obedience to the law, or by a public servant, in the lawful exercise of the powers of such public servant, or
 
 
if the provocation is given by anything done in the lawful exercise of the right of private defence.
 
 
Whether the provocation was grave and sudden enough to mitigate the offence, is a question of fact.
Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty
353. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person being a public servant in the execution of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person from discharging his duty as such public servant, or in consequence
 
 
of anything done or attempted to be done by such person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 22[three years], or with fine, or with both.
Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outage her modesty
354. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any woman, intending to outrage or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby outrage her modesty, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person, otherwise than on grave provocation
355. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person, intending thereby to dishonour that person, otherwise than on grave and sudden provocation given by that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person
356. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person in attempting to commit theft on any property which that person is then wearing or carrying shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extent to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Assault or criminal force in attempt wrongfully to confine a person
357. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person, in attempting wrongfully to confine that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand taka, or with both.
Assault or criminal force on grave provocation.
358. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person on grave and sudden provocation given by that person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to two hundred taka, or with both.
 
 
Explanation.-The last section is subject to the same Explanation as section 352.

Of Kidnapping, Abduction, Slavery and Forced Labour

Kidnapping
359. Kidnapping is of two kinds: kidnapping from Bangladesh, and kidnapping from lawful guardianship.
Kidnapping from Bangladesh, etc.
360. Whoever conveys any person beyond the limits of Bangladesh without the consent of that person, or of some person legally authorized to consent on behalf of that person, is said to kidnap that person from Bangladesh.
Kidnapping from lawful guardianship
361. Whoever takes or entices any minor under fourteen years of age if a male, or under sixteen years of age if a female, or any person of unsound mind, out of the keeping of the lawful guardian of such minor or person of unsound mind, without the consent of such guardian, is said to kidnap such minor or person from lawful guardianship.
 
 
Explanation.-The words "lawful guardian" in this section include any person lawfully entrusted with the care or custody of such minor or other person.
 
 
Exception.-This section does not extend to the act of any person who in good faith believes himself to be the father of an illegitimate child, or who in good faith believes himself to be entitled to the lawful custody of such child, unless such act is committed for an immoral or unlawful purpose.
Abduction
362. Whoever by force compels, or by any deceitful means induces, any person to go from any place, is said to abduct that person.
Punishment for kidnapping
363. Whoever kidnaps any person from Bangladesh or from lawful guardianship, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Kidnapping or abducting in order to murder
364. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person in order that such person may be murdered or may be so disposed of as to be put in danger of being murdered, shall be punished with 23[imprisonment] for life or rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
 
 
Illustrations
 
 
(a) A kidnaps Z from Bangladesh, intending or knowing it to be likely that Z may be sacrificed to an idol. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
 
 
(b) A forcibly carries or entices B away from his home in order that B may be murdered. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
Kidnapping or abducting a person under the age of ten
24[364A. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person under the age of ten, in order that such person may be murdered or subjected to grievous hurt, or slavery, or to the lust of any person or may be so disposed of as to be put in danger of being murdered or subjected to grievous hurt, or slavery, or to the lust of any person shall be punished with death or with 25[imprisonment] for life or with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years and shall not be less than seven years.]
Kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person
365. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person with intent to cause that person to be secretly and wrongfully confined, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Procuration of minor girl
26[366A. Whoever, by any means whatsoever, induces any minor girl under the age of eighteen years to go from any place or to do any act with intent that such girl may be, or knowing that it is likely that she will be, forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine.
Importation of girl from foreign country
366B. Whoever imports into Bangladesh from any country outside Bangladesh any girl under the age of twenty-one years with intent that she may be, or knowing it to be likely that she will be, forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person,
 
 
27[* * *]
 
 
shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine.]
Kidnapping or abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc.
366. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any woman with intent that she may be compelled, or knowing it to be likely that she will be compelled, to marry any person against her will, or in order that she may be forced or seduced to illicit intercourse, or knowing it to be likely that she will be forced or seduced to illicit intercourse, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine; and whoever, by means of criminal intimidation as defined in this Code or of abuse of authority or any other method of compulsion, induces any woman to go from any place with intent that she may be, or knowing that it is likely that she will be, forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person shall also be punishable as aforesaid.
Kidnapping or abducting in order to subject person to grievous hurt, slavery, etc.
367. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person in order that such person may be subjected, or may be so disposed of as to be put in danger of being subjected to grievous hurt, or slavery, or to the unnatural lust of any person, or knowing it to be likely that such person will be so subjected or disposed of, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement, kidnapped or abducted person
368. Whoever, knowing that any person has been kidnapped or has been abducted, wrongfully conceals or confines such person, shall be punished in the same manner as if he had kidnapped or abducted such person with the same intention or knowledge, or for the same purpose as that for which he conceals or detains such person in confinement.
Kidnapping or abducting child under ten years with intent to steal from its person
369. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any child under the age of ten years with the intention of taking dishonestly any moveable property from the person of such child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Buying or disposing of any person as a slave
370. Whoever imports, exports, removes, buys, sells or disposes of any person as a slave, or accepts, receives or detains against his will any person as a slave, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Habitual dealing in slaves
Buying or disposing of any person as a slave
 
 
371. Whoever habitually imports, exports, removes, buys, sells, traffics or deals in slaves, shall be punished with 28[imprisonment] for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Selling minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.
Habitual dealing in slaves
 
 
372. Whoever sells, lets to hire, or otherwise disposes of any person under the age of eighteen years with intent that such person shall at any age be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution of illicit intercourse with any person or for any unlawful and immoral purpose, or knowing it to be likely that such person will at any age be employed or used for any such purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Selling minor for purposes on prostitution, etc.
 
 
 
 
Explanation I.- When a female under the age of eighteen years is sold, let for hire, or otherwise disposed of to a prostitute or to any person who keeps or manages a brothel, the person so disposing of such female shall, until the contrary is proved, be presumed to have disposed of her with the intent that she shall be used for the purpose of prostitution.
 
 
Explanation II.- For the purposes of this section "illicit intercourse" means sexual intercourse between person not united by marriage or by any union or tie which, though not amounting to a marriage, is recognized by the personal law or custom of the community to which they belong or, where they belong
 
 
to different communities, of both such communities, as constituting between them a quasi-marital relation.
Buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.
373. Whoever buys, hires or otherwise obtains possession of any person under the age of eighteen years with intent that such person shall at any age be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution or illicit intercourse with any person or for any unlawful and immoral purpose, or knowing it to be likely that such person will at any age be employed or used for any such purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
 
 
Explanation I.-Any prostitute or any person keeping or managing a brothel, who buys, hires or otherwise obtains possession of a female under the age of eighteen years shall, until the contrary is proved, be presumed to have obtained possession of such female with the intent that she shall be used for the purpose of prostitution.
 
 
Explanation II.-'Illicit intercourse' has the same meaning as in section 372.
Unlawful compulsory labour
374. (1) Whoever unlawfully compels any person to labour against the will of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
 
 
(2) Whoever compels a prisoner of war or a protected person to serve in the armed forces of Bangladesh shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year.
 
 
Explanation. In this section the expressions "prisoner of war" and "protected person" shall have the same meaning as have been assigned to them respectively by Article 4 of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of August 12, 1949, and Article 4 of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of August 12, 1949, 29[* * *].

Of Rape

Rape
375. A man is said to commit "rape" who except in the case hereinafter excepted, has sexual intercourse with a woman under circumstances falling under any of the five following descriptions:
 
 
Firstly. Against her will.
 
 
Secondly. Without her consent.
 
 
Thirdly. With her consent, when her consent has been obtained by putting her in fear of death, or of hurt.
 
 
Fourthly. With her consent, when the man knows that he is not her husband, and that her consent is given because she believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes herself to be lawfully married.
 
 
Fifthly. With or without her consent, when she is under fourteen years of age.
 
 
Explanation. Penetration is sufficient to constitute the sexual intercourse necessary to the offence of rape.
 
 
Exception. Sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under thirteen years of age, is not rape.
Punishment for rape
376. Whoever commits rape shall be punished with 30[imprisonment] for life or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine, unless the woman raped is his own wife and is not under twelve years of age, in which case he shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Of Unnatural Offences

Unnatural offences
377. Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with 31[imprisonment] for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.Explanation. Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.

  • 1
    Throughout this Act, except otherwise provided, the words “Bangladesh”, “Government”, “the Government” and “Taka” were substituted, for the words “Pakistan”, “Central or any Provincial Government” or “Central Government or any Provincial Government” or “Central Government” or “the Provincial Government” or “Provincial Government” and “rupees” respectively by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973).
  • 2
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 3
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 4
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 5
    Section 304A was inserted by section 12 of the Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Act, 1870 (Act No. XXVII of 1870)
  • 6
    The word “five” was substituted, for the word “two” by section 4 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1982 (Ordinance No. X of 1982)
  • 7
    Section 304B. was inserted by section 5 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1982 (Ordinance No. X of 1982)
  • 8
    The words “three years” were substituted, for the words “seven years” by section 2 of the Penal Code (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLVIII of 1985)
  • 9
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 10
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 11
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 12
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 13
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 14
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 15
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 16
    Section 326A. was inserted by section 2 of the Penal Code (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1984 (Ordinance No. LXIX of 1984)
  • 17
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 18
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 19
    The words “five thousand taka” were substituted, for the words “one thousand taka” by section 6 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1982 (Ordinance No. X of 1982)
  • 20
    Section 338A was inserted by section 7 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1982 (Ordinance No. X of 1982)
  • 21
    The words “two years” were substituted, for the words “five years” by section 3 of the Penal Code (second Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLVIII of 1985)
  • 22
    The words “three years” were substituted, for the words “two years” by section 8 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1982 (Ordinance No. X of 1982)
  • 23
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 24
    Section 364A was inserted by section 2 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1958 (Act No. XXXIV of 1958)
  • 25
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 26
    Sections 366A and 366B were inserted by section 2 of the Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Act, 1923 (Act No. XX of 1923)
  • 27
    Second paragraph of section 366B was omitted by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973)
  • 28
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
  • 29
    The words, comma and figure “ratified by Pakistan on the second June, 1951” were omitted by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973)
  • 30
    The words, comma and figure “ratified by Pakistan on the second June, 1951” were omitted by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973)
  • 31
    The word “imprisonment” was substituted, for the word “transportation” by section 19 of the Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1985 (Ordinance No. XLI of 1985)
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