INDIAN KANOON SECTION 438 IPC - Indian Penal Code - Punishment for the mischief described in section 437 committed by fire or explosive substance

Description

Whoever commits, or attempts to commit, by fire or any explosive substance, such mischief as is described in the last preceding section. shall be punished with imprisonment for life. or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Applicable Offences

The mischief described in the last section when committed by fire or any explosive substance

Punishment - Imprisonment for Life or 10 Years + Fine

This is a Non-Bailable, Cognizable offence and triable by Court of Session

This offence in NOT compoundable.

1. If an offence is cognizable, police has the authority to arrest the accused without a warrant and to start an investigation with or without the permission of a court. Otherwise police does not have the authority to arrest the accused without a warrant and an investigation cannot be initiated without a court order.

2. If an offience is bailable, police has the authority to release the accused on bail on getting the defined surety amount along with a duly filled bail bond at the concerned police station. Otherwise arrested person has to apply for bail before a magistrate or court

3. If an offence is compoundable, a compromise can be done between the accused and the victim, and a trial can be avoided. Otherwise, No compromise is allowed between the accused and the victim except under certain situations, where the High Court or the Supreme Court have the authority for quashing a matter.