Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 427
repealedMischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees
Whoever commits mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of fifty rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Why this exists
This section increases the punishment for mischief once the financial loss crosses a specified threshold, reflecting that greater harm to property deserves a stronger deterrent than the minimal penalty under the general mischief section. Though fifty rupees is a very small amount today, the punishment framework still applies based on this historically set threshold as interpreted by courts and law in practice. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, this corresponds to Section 324(3).
How courts read it
Courts assess the value of loss or damage caused by the mischief to determine whether it meets or exceeds the threshold, applying this section instead of the lighter general provision under Section 426 once that threshold is crossed.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: The fifty-rupee threshold means this section rarely applies today given inflation.
Fact: Because almost any real property damage today exceeds fifty rupees in value, this section in practice covers most everyday cases of mischief causing tangible financial loss, rather than being a rarely used provision.