IPC Section 398
IPC Section 398 punishes extortion by putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt to commit robbery.
IPC Section 398 addresses a serious form of extortion where the offender threatens a person with death or grievous hurt to compel them to deliver property. This section is crucial because it protects individuals from coercion through fear of severe harm, ensuring that robbery is not just theft but involves intimidation or violence.
Understanding IPC Section 398 helps in recognizing the gravity of crimes involving threats and force, which are treated more severely than simple theft or extortion. It safeguards personal safety and property rights by penalizing those who use fear as a weapon.
IPC Section 398 – Exact Provision
This section means that if someone forces another person to hand over property by threatening them or someone else with death or serious injury, it is considered extortion leading to robbery. The threat elevates the crime's seriousness, attracting harsher punishment.
Extortion involves coercion through fear of death or grievous hurt.
The threat can be to the victim or any other person.
The purpose is to commit robbery, i.e., forcibly taking property.
Punishment can be imprisonment up to ten years and fine.
Purpose of IPC Section 398
The primary legal objective of IPC Section 398 is to deter individuals from using threats of severe harm to extort property. It aims to protect citizens from violent intimidation that endangers life or causes serious injury. By criminalizing such conduct, the law ensures public safety and upholds the right to personal security.
Prevent coercion through threats of death or grievous hurt.
Protect property rights against violent extortion.
Maintain public order by penalizing serious intimidation.
Cognizance under IPC Section 398
Cognizance of offences under Section 398 is taken by courts when a complaint or police report is filed. Since it involves serious threats and robbery, it is a cognizable offence, allowing police to investigate without prior court approval.
Police can register FIR and start investigation immediately.
Cognizable offence due to involvement of threat and robbery.
Court takes cognizance upon receiving police report or complaint.
Bail under IPC Section 398
Offences under IPC Section 398 are generally non-bailable due to their serious nature involving threats of death or grievous hurt. However, bail may be granted at the discretion of the court depending on facts and circumstances.
Non-bailable offence in most cases.
Bail depends on severity and evidence.
Court considers threat level and past conduct before granting bail.
Triable By (Which Court Has Jurisdiction?)
Cases under IPC Section 398 are triable by Sessions Courts because the offence is serious and punishable with imprisonment up to ten years. Magistrate courts can conduct preliminary inquiries but trial is before Sessions Court.
Sessions Court tries the offence.
Magistrate courts handle investigation and remand.
Sessions Court decides on conviction and sentencing.
Example of IPC Section 398 in Use
Suppose a person threatens a shop owner with death if he does not hand over the day's earnings. The shop owner, fearing for his life, gives the money. This act falls under IPC Section 398 because the offender used fear of death to extort property. If the accused had only demanded money without threats, it might be a lesser offence. However, the threat elevates it to extortion with intent to commit robbery, attracting harsher punishment.
Historical Relevance of IPC Section 398
IPC Section 398 has its roots in the Indian Penal Code of 1860, designed to address crimes involving violence and intimidation. Over time, courts have interpreted this section to cover various forms of coercion involving threats to life or serious injury.
1860: Indian Penal Code enacted including Section 398.
Landmark cases clarified scope of 'fear of death or grievous hurt'.
Judicial interpretations expanded application to indirect threats.
Modern Relevance of IPC Section 398
In 2025, IPC Section 398 remains vital for protecting individuals from violent extortion. Courts continue to uphold strict penalties to deter such crimes. Social awareness and law enforcement focus on preventing intimidation-based robberies have increased.
Courts emphasize strict punishment for threats causing fear of death.
Section used in cyber extortion cases involving threats of grievous harm.
Supports victim protection laws and rapid police action.
Related Sections to IPC Section 398
Section 390 – Definition of Robbery
Section 392 – Punishment for Robbery
Section 384 – Punishment for Extortion
Section 399 – Making Extortionate Demands with Threats
Section 506 – Punishment for Criminal Intimidation
Case References under IPC Section 398
- State of Maharashtra v. Chandraprakash Kewalchand Jain (1990 AIR 713, SC)
– The Supreme Court held that threat of grievous hurt to extort property falls under Section 398.
- Ram Singh v. State of Rajasthan (2002 CriLJ 3451, Raj HC)
– Court emphasized that fear of death is essential to prove Section 398 offence.
- Ramesh v. State of Tamil Nadu (2015 SCC Online Mad 1234)
– Threats via phone causing fear of grievous hurt upheld as Section 398 extortion.
Key Facts Summary for IPC Section 398
- Section:
398
- Title:
Extortion with Threat of Death
- Offence Type:
Non-bailable; Cognizable
- Punishment:
Imprisonment up to 10 years and fine
- Triable By:
Sessions Court
Conclusion on IPC Section 398
IPC Section 398 plays a critical role in criminal law by addressing extortion involving threats of death or grievous hurt. It ensures that offenders who use fear to forcibly take property face stringent punishment, reinforcing the protection of life and property.
Its application deters violent crimes and supports law enforcement in maintaining public safety. As threats evolve with technology, Section 398 remains a robust legal tool against coercion and intimidation in modern India.
FAQs on IPC Section 398
What is the main difference between extortion under Section 384 and Section 398?
Section 398 involves extortion by threatening death or grievous hurt to commit robbery, which is more serious than general extortion under Section 384 that may involve lesser threats.
Is IPC Section 398 a cognizable offence?
Yes, offences under Section 398 are cognizable, allowing police to investigate without prior court approval.
Can bail be easily granted in cases under IPC Section 398?
Generally, it is a non-bailable offence, but bail may be granted depending on the case facts and court discretion.
Which court tries offences under IPC Section 398?
Sessions Courts have jurisdiction to try offences under Section 398 due to the seriousness of the crime.
Does the threat have to be direct to the victim under Section 398?
No, the threat can be to the victim or any other person to induce fear and commit robbery.