Is criminal intimidation bailable under BNS Section 351?

Yes, standard criminal intimidation under Section 351 BNS is bailable and non-cognizable (requires a warrant for arrest).

Does the sentence increase if the threat is of death or grievous hurt?

Yes, standard criminal intimidation carries up to 2 years. But if the threat is to cause death, grievous hurt, or destruction by fire, the punishment increases significantly up to 7 years of imprisonment.

Which court tries BNS Section 351 offences?

All categories of criminal intimidation under Section 351 BNS are triable by Any Magistrate.

Procedural Classification · BNSS First Schedule

BNS Section 351 Punishment Jail Term, Fines & Sentencing Guidelines

Analysis of punishment terms, fines, and judicial sentencing rules for BNS Section 351: (1) Criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

⚖️ Sentencing & Penalty Guidelines

Criminal intimidation

Bail Status

✓ Bailable (Bail is a matter of right)

Arrest Authority

Non-cognizable (Police cannot arrest without warrant)

Triable Court

Any Magistrate

Prescribed Punishment

Imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both

If threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, etc.

Bail Status

✓ Bailable (Bail is a matter of right)

Arrest Authority

Non-cognizable (Police cannot arrest without warrant)

Triable Court

Magistrate of the first class

Prescribed Punishment

Imprisonment for 7 years, or fine, or both

Criminal intimidation by anonymous communication or having taken precaution to conceal whence the threat comes

Bail Status

✓ Bailable (Bail is a matter of right)

Arrest Authority

Non-cognizable (Police cannot arrest without warrant)

Triable Court

Magistrate of the first class

Prescribed Punishment

Imprisonment for 2 years, in addition to the punishment under section 351(1)