Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person or keeps a person in detention after such kidnapping or abduction and threatens to cause death or hurt to such person, or by his conduct gives rise to a reasonable apprehension that such person may be put to death or hurt, or causes hurt or death to such person in order to compel the Government or ² [any foreign State or international inter-governmental organisation or any other person] to do or abstain from doing any act or to pay a ransom, shall be punishable with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.]

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1. Inserted Act 42 of 1993, section 2 (w.e.f. 22-5-1993).

2. Substitute by Act 24 of 1995, for "any other person" (w.e.f. 26-5-1995).