IPC Section 327 - Voluntarily Causing Hurt to Extort Property, or to Constrain to an Illegal Act

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.

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Non-bailable, Cognizable

Official Text

“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.”

Legal Analysis

Elements to Prove:

  • The accused voluntarily caused hurt.
  • The purpose was to extort property or valuable security, or
  • The purpose was to constrain to illegal acts.
  • The hurt was intentional and not accidental.

Potential Defenses:

  • No hurt was voluntarily caused.
  • No extortion or coercion was intended.
  • The accused was acting in self-defense.
  • The accused was acting under legal authority.

Practical Examples

What Constitutes the Offense:

A person beating someone to extort money, or causing harm to force illegal actions.

What Doesn't Constitute:

A person causing harm in self-defense, or accidentally causing injury.

Important Case Laws

State of Maharashtra v. Dr. Anil Vasantrao Deshmukh (2021)

The Supreme Court emphasized the enhanced punishment for causing hurt with extortion or coercion motives.

Punishment

Up to 10 years and Fine

Related Information

Connected Sections:

This section provides enhanced punishment for causing hurt with extortion motives. It follows Section 323.

Procedural Aspects:

Prosecution requires proof of extortion or coercion motive. The case is triable by a Court of Session.

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