Section 137 in THE BHARATIYA NYAYA SANHITA, 2023 – BNS

Of kidnapping, abduction, slavery and forced labour

Kidnapping.

137. (1) Kidnapping is of two kinds: kidnapping from India, and kidnapping from
     lawful guardianship––
     (a) whoever conveys any person beyond the limits of India without the consent
     of that person, or of some person legally authorised to consent on behalf of that
     person, is said to kidnap that person from India;
     (b) whoever takes or entices any child or any person of unsound mind, out of the
     keeping of the lawful guardian of such child or person of unsound mind, without the
     consent of such guardian, is said to kidnap such child or person from lawful
     guardianship.
     Explanation.––The words “lawful guardian” in this clause include any person
     lawfully entrusted with the care or custody of such child or other person.
     Exception.—This clause does not extend to the act of any person who in good
     faith believes himself to be the father of an illegitimate child, or who in good faith
     believes himself to be entitled to the lawful custody of such child, unless such act is
     committed for an immoral or unlawful purpose.
     (2) Whoever kidnaps any person from India or from lawful guardianship shall be
     punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven
     years, and shall also be liable to fine.