IPC Section 331 - Voluntarily Causing Grievous Hurt to Extort Confession, or to Compel Restoration of Property
Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer, or from 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 for life, or with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Official Text
“Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer, or from 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 for life, or with rigorous imprisonment 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 grievous hurt.
- The purpose was to extort confession or information, or
- The purpose was to compel property restoration.
- The grievous hurt was intentional and not accidental.
- All elements of grievous hurt were present.
Potential Defenses:
- No grievous hurt was voluntarily caused.
- No extortion or compulsion was intended.
- The accused was acting under legal authority.
- The accused was acting in self-defense.
Practical Examples
What Constitutes the Offense:
A person causing permanent injury to force a confession, or breaking bones to compel property return.
What Doesn't Constitute:
A person using legal means to recover property, or conducting proper investigations.
Important Case Laws
State of Maharashtra v. Dr. Anil Vasantrao Deshmukh (2021)
The Supreme Court emphasized the severe punishment for causing grievous hurt to extort confessions.
Punishment
Imprisonment for Life, or Rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years and Fine
Related Information
Connected Sections:
This section provides severe punishment for causing grievous hurt to extort confessions. It follows Section 330.
Procedural Aspects:
Prosecution requires proof of extortion or compulsion motive and grievous hurt. The case is triable by a Court of Session.