Library/BNS/Section 104
Section 104Non-BailablePenal

Punishment for murder by life-convict

Full Text

Whoever, being under sentence of imprisonment for life, commits murder, shall be punished with death or with imprisonment for life, which shall mean the remainder of that person’s natural life.

Plain English Summary

Prescribes the punishment for murder committed by a person who is already serving a life sentence, offering a choice of death or natural life imprisonment.

Key Legal Elements

  • Person is already under sentence of imprisonment for life
  • Commits the offense of murder
  • Punished with death or life imprisonment for the remainder of natural life

Punishment

Death or imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, and fine

Practical Note

Striked down as IPC Section 303 in Mithu v. State of Punjab (1983) because it mandated a death sentence without judicial discretion. Section 104 resolves this by offering the court a choice between death and natural life imprisonment.

हिंदी पाठ

जो कोई, आजीवन कारावास के दण्डादेश के अधीन होते हुए हत्या करेगा, वह मृत्युदण्ड या आजीवन कारावास से दण्डित किया जाएगा, जिसका अर्थ उस व्यक्ति के प्राकृतिक जीवन के शेष भाग के लिए कारावास होगा।