Introduction
IPC 368: Keeping someone locked up against their will is illegal if it’s done to hurt them, force them to do something, or get money from them.
What is IPC 368 ?
IPC 368: Imagine someone holding another person against their will, but not taking them anywhere. This is what IPC 368 is about. It’s illegal to keep someone locked up or force them to stay somewhere to get money from them, make them do something they don’t want, or hurt them.

Definition of IPC 368
IPC 368 deals with someone being illegally kept confined against their will. This is different from kidnapping (taking someone away) and can involve threats, extortion, or forcing the victim into unwanted actions. It’s a serious offense, but unlike some crimes, getting bail is possible.
Section 368 IPC Explanation
- Wrongful Confinement vs. Kidnapping/Abduction (IPC 366 & 367):
- Key Difference: IPC 368 deals with someone being unlawfully confined in a place, even if they weren’t taken anywhere. Kidnapping (IPC 366) and abduction (IPC 367) involve taking or enticing a person away from their place.
- Example: Imagine someone locking another person in a room against their will. This is wrongful confinement (IPC 368). If the person is forced into a car and taken to a secluded location, that would be kidnapping (IPC 366) or abduction (IPC 367) depending on the intent.
- Unlawful Purposes for Confinement:
- Extortion: The offender might confine the victim to pressure them or a loved one into paying money or revealing confidential information. This could involve threats or intimidation.
- Compulsion: The confinement could be a way to force the victim into an unwanted action. For instance, the offender might confine someone to coerce them into signing a contract or marrying someone.
- Harming Reputation or Safety: The offender might confine the victim to damage their social standing or put them in physical danger. This could involve threats of violence or humiliation.
- Key Elements Explained in Detail:
- Knowledge of Confinement: The offender must knowingly restrict the victim’s freedom of movement. They must be aware that their actions are confining the person against their will.
- Duration is Irrelevant: Even if someone is confined for a short period without their consent, it can be punishable under IPC 368. The law focuses on the wrongful act, not the duration.
- Victim’s Consent is Crucial: If the victim willingly agrees to be confined, it’s not considered wrongful under IPC 368. Their consent must be genuine and not obtained through coercion or threats. For example, if someone stays in a locked room to hide from danger but has the freedom to leave whenever they want, it wouldn’t be wrongful confinement.
- Potential Penalties:
- Imprisonment: The offender can be sentenced to up to three years in prison. The exact term depends on the severity of the case. Courts consider factors like the purpose of confinement, the duration (if significant), and any harm caused to the victim.
- Fine: The court can also impose a fine on the offender. The amount can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, such as the offender’s financial situation and the severity of the crime.
- Combined Punishment: The court has the discretion to sentence the offender to both imprisonment and a fine. This is likely in more serious cases where the confinement caused significant harm or distress to the victim.
IPC 368 Punishment
Penalties for Wrongful Confinement (IPC 368):
- Imprisonment: The offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to three years. The exact term depends on the severity of the case. Courts consider factors like the purpose of confinement, the duration (if significant), and any harm caused to the victim.
- Fine: The court can also impose a fine on the offender. The amount can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, such as the offender’s financial situation and the severity of the crime.
What is Mean | Description |
---|---|
Offense | Wrongful Confinement |
Definition | Keeping someone confined without their lawful consent |
Different from | Kidnapping/Abduction (IPC 366 & 367) – involves taking someone away |
Motives | * Extortion of money or information * Compelling someone to do something * Harming someone’s reputation or safety |
Punishment | * Up to 3 years imprisonment * Fine (amount varies) * Or both imprisonment and fine |
Bailable | Yes (court decides on a case-by-case basis) |

368 IPC bailable or not ?
Getting bail under IPC 368:
Unlike some serious crimes, getting bail is possible under IPC 368, which deals with wrongful confinement. It’s not automatic though. The court will decide on a case-by-case basis whether to grant bail after considering these points:
- Severity of the offense: How serious was the confinement? Did it cause any harm to the victim?
- Strength of the evidence: Does the police investigation show strong evidence against the accused?
- Flight risk: Is there a chance the accused might not show up for future court hearings if released on bail?
IPC 368 FAQs
What does IPC Section 368 define?
IPC Section 368 deals with the offense of wrongful confinement. This means intentionally keeping someone confined without their lawful consent or any legal justification. It’s different from kidnapping (IPC 359) as there may not necessarily be an element of forcefully taking someone away.
What constitutes wrongful confinement under IPC Section 368?
Wrongful confinement occurs when someone is unlawfully restrained or held in a manner that restricts their freedom, often with the intention of exploiting them for labor or other purposes.
What are the legal consequences of violating IPC Section 368?
Violating IPC Section 368 can result in significant legal penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years and a fine. The severity of the punishment depends on the circumstances of the offense.
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