Kidnapping

(1) Kidnapping is of two kinds: kidnapping from India, and kidnapping from lawful guardianship;

• (a) whoever conveys any person beyond the limits of India without the consent of that person, or of some person legally authorised to consent on behalf of that person, is said to kidnap that person from India;

• (b) whoever takes or entices any child below the age of eighteen years or any person with mental illness, out of the keeping of the lawful guardian of such child or person with mental illness, without the consent of such guardian, is said to kidnap such child or person from lawful guardianship.

Explanation

The words “lawful guardian” in this clause include any person lawfully entrusted with the care or custody of such child or other person.

Exception: This clause does not extend to the act of any person who in good faith believes himself to be the father of an illegitimate child below the age of eighteen years, 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.

(2) Whoever kidnaps any person from India 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.

BNSS Classification

• Imprisonment for 7 years and fine.
• Cognizable
• Bailable
• Triable by Magistrate of the first class.