Home / India / Kerala, India
Kerala, India State law
State law + central baseline (BNS 2023)
Jurisdiction Central criminal law (BNS 2023, NDPS Act, IT Act, Arms Act, Motor Vehicles Act) applies in Kerala except where a state law below adds penalties. Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) 2007 provides preventive detention (no offence penalty ranges — not encoded as tiers).
0 verified · 16 possibly — unconfirmed · 0 verification pending
Offences by family
Against the person
Assault (aggravated) Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- BNS ss. 116–118
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Assault (simple) Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range State ragging penalty in addition to the central BNS assault provisions — see the central tier.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act 1998 s. 4 — ragging (incl. causing hurt) within or without an educational institution Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Imprisonment up to 2 years
- Fine
- Fine up to ₹10,000
Imprisonment AND fine. Conviction also brings dismissal from the institution + 3-year admission bar (s. 5).
- Statute
- Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act 1998 s. 4 + BNS ss. 114–115 (central)
- Official source
- Indian Kanoon reproduction of Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act 1998 (non-official)
- Verification note
- Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Figures rest on Act-text reproductions; a direct official-text re-check is still required.
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Domestic violence Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty. Domestic violence in India is a framework, NOT a single offence: the PWDVA 2005 provides reliefs (ss. 18–23, no penalties); penalties come from PWDVA breach provisions and BNS ss. 85–86.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- PWDVA 2005 + BNS ss. 85–86
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Homicide — manslaughter Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty. Do not label “manslaughter” as if the BNS used the word — the BNS charges culpable homicide not amounting to murder (ss. 100 / 101 / 105).
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- BNS ss. 100 / 101 / 105
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Homicide — murder Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- BNS ss. 101 / 103 / 104
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Sexual offences
Sexual assault / rape Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- BNS ss. 63–71
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Property
Burglary Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty. Do not label “burglary” as if the BNS used the word — the BNS charges house-trespass / house-breaking (ss. 330–331).
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- BNS ss. 330–331
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Robbery Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- BNS s. 309
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Theft Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) s. 303
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Vandalism / criminal damage Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- BNS s. 324
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Fraud & financial
Fraud Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- BNS s. 318
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Drugs
Drug possession Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- NDPS Act ss. 20 / 21 / 22 (prohibition s. 8(c))
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors (except s. 31 note), intent, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Drug trafficking / sale Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- NDPS Act ss. 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 27A
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, intent, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Weapons
Weapons offences Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- Arms Act 1959 s. 25 (post-2019)
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Traffic & transport
DUI / drink driving Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range State Abkari (excise) penalties for alcohol offences (DUI-adjacent). The central MV Act s. 185 drink-driving offence also applies — see the central tier.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
s. 55(1) — illegal import/export/transport/transit/possess/manufacture/sell liquor or intoxicating drug (other than toddy tapping/drawing) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Imprisonment up to 10 years
- Fine
- Fine minimum ₹1,00,000 (maximum not stated in retrieved text)
Imprisonment AND fine.
s. 55(2) — toddy tapping / drawing toddy Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Imprisonment up to 1 year
- Fine
- Fine up to ₹10,000
Imprisonment OR fine OR both.
s. 58 — possession of illicit liquor (knowing it to be unlawfully imported / transported / manufactured, or duty unpaid) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Imprisonment up to 6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to ₹3,000
Imprisonment OR fine OR both.
Note on this entry “Intoxicating drug” in the Abkari Act excludes narcotic drugs / psychotropic substances regulated by the NDPS Act. Older reproductions show lower s. 55 figures (up to 2 years / ₹5,000) from before the enhancement — not encoded.
- Statute
- Kerala Abkari Act 1 of 1077 ss. 55 / 58 + Motor Vehicles Act 1988 s. 185 (central)
- Official source
- Indian Kanoon reproduction of Kerala Abkari Act 1 of 1077 (non-official)
- Verification note
- Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Figures rest on Act-text reproductions; a direct official-text re-check is still required.
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, 3-year window unresolved, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
Cyber & digital
Cybercrime / hacking Possibly — unconfirmed
Read this before the range Central law applies — no separate state penalty.
Possibly — unconfirmed Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Central law applies — see India entry Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- —
- Fine
- —
No separate state penalty; the central statute governs.
- Statute
- IT Act 2000 (2008 amendment)
- Official source
- India Code (central entry — see India file); no separate state penalty located
- Verification note
- Central-law range — see India entry; direct India Code confirmation still required (India Code direct fetch returned HTTP 403 on 2026-10-19).
- Last verified
- 2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not
“your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a
licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.