Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 508
repealedAct caused by inducing person to believe that he will be rendered an object of the Divine displeasure
Whoever voluntarily causes or attempts to cause any person to do anything which that person is not legally bound to do, or to omit to do anything which he is legally entitled to do, by inducing or attempting to induce that person to believe that he or any person in whom he is interested will become or will be rendered by some act of the offender an object of Divine displeasure if he does not do the thing which it is the object of the offender to cause him to do, or if he does the thing which it is the object of the offender to cause him to omit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
Why this exists
This provision protects people from being manipulated into acting against their own will or legal rights through fear of supernatural or religious punishment, often exploited by self-styled godmen, sorcerers, or others claiming spiritual power. It recognises that such psychological coercion, playing on deeply held beliefs and fears, can be just as effective and harmful as a physical threat in forcing someone to abandon their rights or act unlawfully.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: This section punishes ordinary religious advice or warnings given in good faith.
Fact: It only applies when someone deliberately induces a false belief of divine displeasure to coerce a person into an act they are not legally bound to do, or to stop a legally permitted act; sincere religious counsel is not the target of this section.