IPC Section 413
Section 413 IPC – Habitual Offender
Text in essence:
Whoever is a habitual offender, meaning a person who has been convicted of an offence punishable with imprisonment for seven years or more, and has habitually committed crimes, shall be punished under this section.
Punishment:
Imprisonment up to 7 years, and
Fine.
Detailed Explanation
Who is a “habitual offender”?
A person who repeatedly commits criminal offences, especially serious crimes.
The person must have been convicted previously for offences punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more.
Essential Ingredients of the offence:
Prior convictions: The offender must have prior convictions for serious crimes.
Habitual commission of crimes: The offender repeatedly engages in criminal activity.
Knowledge and intent: The offender continues committing crimes despite previous convictions.
Nature of the offence:
Cognizable: Police can investigate and register FIR.
Non-bailable: Bail depends on the court’s discretion.
Punishable up to 7 years imprisonment, showing the seriousness of repeated criminal conduct.
Purpose of Section 413:
To deter habitual criminals from repeating serious crimes.
To protect society from dangerous repeat offenders.
Courts often use this section in conjunction with other sections when habitual offenders commit further crimes.
Example
A person convicted twice earlier for robbery (punishable with 7+ years) is caught again committing theft or robbery. The court can invoke Section 413 IPC to impose heavier punishment for being a habitual offender.
✅ In summary:
Section 413 IPC is about habitual offenders—people who repeatedly commit serious crimes. It punishes them with up to 7 years imprisonment and a fine to protect society and deter repetition of crime.
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