384 IPC in Hindi – आईपीसी धारा 384 क्या है, सजा और मतलब

Extortion has remained a serious crime in India’s legal landscape, deeply impacting individuals and communities alike. With the rise of economic activities, disputes involving threats and coercion have become more visible, making Section 384 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) [384 आईपीसी], a crucial safeguard. This section explicitly deals with the punishment for extortion—an offense that resonates across urban and rural India. Accurate knowledge of Section 384 IPC empowers citizens to recognize the law’s reach and responsibilities, as well as the consequences of violating it.

In this analysis, the spotlight falls on the Hindi context—aiming to bridge the understanding for those referencing “384 IPC in Hindi” and related legal terminology.

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384 IPC – Legal Definition and Elements (384 आईपीसी का कानूनी अर्थ)

Section 384 IPC applies when a person intentionally puts someone in fear of injury and, through that fear, dishonestly induces the person to deliver property or valuable security. In simple words, if one threatens another (directly or indirectly) and obtains valuables by exploiting that fear, they commit extortion.

Actual Provision: Legislative Language

The section reads:

“Whoever commits extortion shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.”

An essential distinction exists between theft, robbery, and extortion. While theft involves secretly taking property, extortion always involves some form of threat or “fear of injury” leading to the delivery of property.

Key Ingredients of Section 384 IPC

For a charge under Section 384 IPC to stand, the prosecution must establish:

1. The accused put a person in fear of injury (bodily, reputational, or otherwise).
2. The accused did so intentionally and dishonestly.
3. Due to this fear, the victim delivered property or any valuable security.
4. There is a direct link between the threat and the victim’s actions.

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Illustrative Examples & Practical Scenarios

Real-world incidents present classic applications of Section 384 IPC. For instance, if a shopkeeper is forced to pay money to a local gang threatening damage to his store, the gang members can be prosecuted under this section. Similarly, rising cases of online blackmail—where perpetrators threaten to leak private information unless paid—fall within the ambit of extortion as described in 384 IPC.

Case Study: A Journalistic Perspective

Several Indian courts, while interpreting Section 384 IPC, have distinguished extortion from mere threats. In Smt. Miraben Mehta vs. State of Gujarat, the court clarified that mere threatening language without delivery of property does not constitute extortion; the wrongful gain through induced fear is critical.

“A legitimate prosecution under Section 384 requires undeniable evidence that delivery was made under compulsion caused by intimidation—otherwise, the offence remains incomplete.”
— Senior Advocate Vikram Singh, Delhi High Court

This nuanced interpretation is vital for legal professionals and citizens alike to avoid wrongful implications or misreporting of criminal conduct.

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Punishment for Extortion Under Section 384 IPC (384 आईपीसी के तहत सजा)

Section 384 IPC prescribes a penalty that reflects the seriousness of the offense while allowing judicial discretion.

• Imprisonment: Up to three years. The term can be rigorous (hard labor) or simple, based on the trial court’s assessment.
• Fine: The court may impose a fine amount, the quantum of which is not capped in the statute and depends on case specifics.
• Both: In practice, courts often impose both imprisonment and fine for egregious cases, such as organized extortion.

Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances

Sentencing depends on several factors:

• Nature and extent of the threat
• Vulnerability of the victim
• Quantum of property or money involved
• Whether the act involved repeat offenders or syndicates

For instance, courts may be harsher where the act leads to severe psychological trauma or financial ruin.

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Procedural Aspects: Cognizability, Bailability, and Jurisdiction

(384 आईपीसी की प्रक्रिया)

Legal consequences of being charged under Section 384 IPC hinge upon the procedural status:

• Cognizable offense: Police can arrest without a warrant and start an investigation.
• Non-bailable: Bail is not guaranteed; it lies at the court’s discretion.
• Triable by Magistrate of First Class: Ensures the matter is dealt with judicially and with due process.

These procedural facets mean an FIR for extortion can result in immediate law enforcement action, often leading to swift custodial proceedings.

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Difference Between Extortion, Robbery, and Related Offenses

Understanding how extortion under Section 384 IPC differs from other property-related crimes is critical.

• Extortion (Sec 384 IPC): Threat and wrongful delivery of property. Fear is key, but force is not always required.
• Robbery (Sec 390 IPC): A form of aggravated theft/extortion involving violence or immediate threat to person/ property.
• Theft (Sec 378 IPC): Takes place without the victim’s knowledge or consent, and no threat is involved.

This distinction underpins the legislative design of the IPC and reflects why penalties and procedures vary across the sections.

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Role of Technology and Emerging Trends

Digital transformation has introduced new formats of extortion in India. Cyber extortion—ransomware attacks, sextortion, and online blackmail—pose unique legal and investigative challenges. Many police stations now report a significant number of such complaints, underscoring the enduring relevance of Section 384 IPC, albeit in novel situations.

Cases like social media account hacks where perpetrators demand money for restoring access are prosecuted under this section, further illustrating its adaptability to modern threats.

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Social Impact and Legal Awareness

The societal costs of extortion are profound—ranging from erosion of trust in markets to the stifling of small businesses and the spread of urban crime. Legal literacy campaigns in Hindi-speaking regions, led by NGOs and bar associations, strive to demystify 384 IPC and empower citizens to report and resist such crimes.

Many legal aid organizations now provide materials and counseling in Hindi, ensuring that the language barrier does not hamper access to justice.

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Conclusion

Section 384 of the IPC anchors the law against extortion in India, balancing deterrence with judicial oversight. Its clarity, adaptability, and procedural strength allow communities across the country—including Hindi heartlands—to seek justice and safety against coercive crimes. As criminal tactics evolve, awareness of one’s rights and remedies under Section 384 IPC remains an essential tool for both self-protection and civic engagement.

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FAQs

What is the meaning of 384 IPC in Hindi?
Section 384 IPC (आईपीसी धारा 384) “जबरन वसूली” यानी extortion के लिए सजा से संबंधित है, जिसमें किसी को डराकर पैसा या सामान लिया जाता है।

Is extortion under 384 IPC a bailable offense?
No, offenses under 384 IPC are non-bailable. The decision to grant bail lies with the court based on case facts.

What is the punishment for extortion under Section 384 IPC?
The law provides a jail term of up to three years, a fine, or both, depending on the severity.

Can threats over the internet be prosecuted under Section 384 IPC?
Yes, if threats made online force someone to part with money or valuables, it can constitute extortion under 384 IPC.

How is extortion different from robbery or theft?
Extortion involves the victim delivering property out of fear, robbery includes immediate violence, and theft generally lacks threats or violence.

Who investigates extortion cases under IPC 384?
Such cases are investigated by the police, as 384 IPC is a cognizable offense allowing police to register FIR and arrest without a warrant.

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