What are the consequences and penalties of issuing a fake bomb threat in India?

Issuing a fake bomb threat is no joke — especially in India, where the law comes down hard on anyone trying to cause chaos or panic. Over the years, several people have been caught in the act, thinking they were pulling a harmless prank or trying to manipulate situations to their advantage. What they didn’t realise was that these actions have very real and serious consequences, both legally and socially.

In this article, we’ll break down what happens when someone issues a fake bomb threat in India, with examples of past incidents, and the penalties faced by offenders.

A long list of legal consequences

India’s laws on fake bomb threats are strict, and rightfully so. These threats can cause widespread panic, disrupt public services, and divert resources from real emergencies. The primary laws that deal with such threats are sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and, in more serious cases, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

• IPC Section 505: This section covers statements that lead to public mischief. If someone makes a fake bomb threat and causes fear or chaos, they can be charged under this section and face up to 3 years of imprisonment or a fine, or both.
• IPC Section 507: If the threat is made anonymously, it falls under criminal intimidation by anonymous communication. The offender can be imprisoned for up to 2 years.
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): If a bomb threat is serious enough to be considered an act of terrorism, it can fall under the UAPA. This could lead to much more severe consequences, including life imprisonment alongside a hefty fine.

Incarceration, massive fines

Even inebriated threats have incurred severe action by the authorities. In 2022, Hyderabad-based Mohammed Akbar Khan called the police, falsely claiming bombs were planted in different parts of the city. His actions caused widespread panic, leading to a police investigation and security measures. It was later discovered that Khan made the call while intoxicated, and was reportedly sentenced to 18 days in jail for making a fake bomb threat.
Such threats can even face heftier penalties abroad. In 2016, an Indian man was reportedly sentenced to six months in prison alongside a $51,000 fine for issuing a fake bomb threat at Geneva Airport to avoid missing his flight back to India. His prank caused significant disruption and led to a swift legal response, emphasising the far-reaching consequences of such actions in the context of public safety and aviation security.

The penalties for making fake bomb threats are so severe because of the sheer disruption these threats cause. They can lead to mass evacuations, shutdowns of public spaces, and, most importantly, divert resources from real emergencies. In a country as large and populous as India, authorities cannot afford to take any chances with public safety. Beyond jail time, offenders are often fined to cover the costs of emergency responses. These costs can be huge, as bomb squads, police, and emergency services are mobilised to ensure public safety.
Moreover, with the rise in global security concerns, especially in the context of terrorism, Indian law treats any bomb-related threat with utmost seriousness. So, whether you’re thinking about it as a joke or as a way to manipulate a situation, the message is clear: Don’t do it. The costs, legally and personally, are simply too high.