SECTION
Bharatiya Nyaya
Sanhita (BNS).

PUNISHMENT
up to 2 Years
+ Fine

OFFENCE
Criminal
Intimidation

NATURE
Non-Cognizable
Offence

BAIL
Bailable
Offence

OVERVIEW

BNS Section 351 punishes any person who threatens another with injury to their person, reputation, or property, intending to cause alarm or force them to do something unlawful.

  • Protects individuals from criminal intimidation and unlawful threats.
  • Covers threats to a person’s life, reputation, property, or others they care about.
  • Addresses criminal intimidation, including aggravated threats carrying higher punishment. 

NORMAL OFFENCE
Up to 2 Years
Imprisonment
+ Fine

AGGRAVATED OFFENCE
Up to 7 Years
Imprisonment + Fine

TRIAL BY
Judicial Magistrate
First Class

OFFENCE

Criminal Intimidation

TRIABLE

Magistrate First Class

COGNIZANCE

By Magistrate

NATURE

Non-Cognizable

COMPOUNDABLE

Yes

INVESTIGATION

Magistrate’s Order Required

BAIL

Bailable

FINE

Applicable

APPLICABLE

Any Person

OFFENCE

Criminal Intimidation

TRIABLE

Magistrate First Class

COGNIZANCE

By Magistrate

NATURE

Non-Cognizable

COMPOUNDABLE

Yes

INVESTIGATION

Magistrate's Order Required

BAIL

Bailable

FINE

Applicable

APPLICABLE

Any Person

ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS

!

Threat made against a person, reputation, or property

♫

Intention to cause alarm, fear, or apprehension

⚖

Threat intended to compel an act or omission

♢

Threat concerns injury to person, reputation, or property

↗

Aggravated threats may attract higher punishment

⚖

Offence constitutes criminal intimidation

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

BNS SECTION 351

  • Criminal intimidation
  • Threat to person or property
  • Intention to cause alarm
  • May involve aggravated threats

BNS SECTION 352

  • Intentional insult
  • Intent to provoke breach of peace
  • Focuses on insulting conduct
  • Distinct from criminal intimidation

COURT PROCEDURE
COMPLAINT
Complaint filed by
legal heir or any
aggrieved person
COURT ORDER
Magistrate takes
cognizance of the
offence
INVESTIGATION
Inquiry or investigation
as per court order
CHARGE
Charge framed by
the Magistrate
TRIAL
Prosecution presents
evidence and arguments
JUDGMENT
Magistrate delivers
judgment

IMPORTANT POINTS

  • This is an offense of criminal intimidation.
  • The offense is non-cognizable.
  • It is bailable.
  • Punishment is up to 2 years, a fine, or both.
  • Aggravated threats may attract imprisonment up to 7 years and a fine.
  • Triable by a magistrate.

Frequently asked questions

What is BNS Section 351?

BNS Section 351 deals with criminal intimidation, involving threats to a person, reputation, or property.

Who can be punished under this section?

Any person who commits criminal intimidation with the required intention can be punished.

Is BNS 351 a cognizable offence?

No. BNS Section 351 is a non-cognizable offence.

What is the punishment?

Up to 2 years’ imprisonment, fine, or both. Aggravated cases may attract up to 7 years’ imprisonment, fine, or both.

Which court tries BNS 351 cases?

The offence is tried by a Magistrate; aggravated cases are triable by a Magistrate of the First Class.