What is Section 371 IPC? Habitual dealing in slaves
Published on: Lawiz Team
Learn about Section 371 IPC: Habitual dealing in slaves
Official Legal Text
Whoever habitually imports, exports, removes, buys, sells, traffics or deals in slaves shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words
Section 371 punishes anyone who habitually deals in slaves, including selling, purchasing, or obtaining human beings for slavery.
Purpose
To prevent the practice of slavery and severely punish those who engage in human trafficking for slavery.
Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment
Bailable: Non-Bailable, Punishment: Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 10 years, and fine.
Key Elements
1. The accused must be engaged in habitual dealing in slaves. 2. The dealings may include buying, selling, or obtaining slaves. 3. The act must be done with knowledge and intention.
Punishment Details
Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and a fine.
Illustrative Example
If a person is found repeatedly buying and selling human beings for forced labor, it is an offence under Section 371.
Legal Defenses
If the accused can prove that they were not involved in any form of human trafficking or slavery, they may be acquitted.
Related Sections
Related to Section 370 (Trafficking of persons) and Section 374 (Unlawful compulsory labour).
FAQs
What is habitual dealing in slaves?
Habitually importing, exporting, removing, buying, selling, trafficking or dealing in slaves.
Punishment for Section 371 IPC?
Imprisonment for life or up to 10 years and fine.
Cognizable?
Yes, cognizable and non-bailable.
Example situation?
Repeatedly selling persons as slaves.
Jurisdiction?
Sessions Court.
Filing complaint?
At police station mentioning repeated transactions.
Possible defence?
No knowledge of slavery involved.