Library/BNS/Section 146
Section 146BailablePenal

Unlawful compulsory labour

Full Text

146. Unlawful compulsory labour.—Whoever unlawfully compels any person to labour against the will of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Plain English Summary

Criminalizes forcing or compelling any person to perform labour against their will, prescribing up to one year imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Key Legal Elements

  • Unlawfully compelling any person to work.
  • The compulsion must be against the will of that person.

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both

Practical Note

This section replaces Section 374 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) without any changes in the definition or punishment. It protects the fundamental right against forced labour as enshrined under Article 23 of the Constitution of India.

हिंदी पाठ

146. विधि-विरुद्ध अनिवार्य श्रम.—जो कोई किसी व्यक्ति को उसकी इच्छा के विरुद्ध श्रम करने के लिए विधि-विरुद्ध विवश करेगा, वह दोनों में से किसी भांति के कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि एक वर्ष तक की हो सकेगी, या जुर्माने से, या दोनों से, दंडित किया जाएगा।