Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the sections in the Indian Penal Code, 1860 that deal with the offense of criminal intimidation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The offense of criminal intimidation is covered in Chapter XXII of the IPC, which deals with "Criminal Intimidation, Insult and Annoyance."
- Section 503 of the IPC defines the offense of 'Criminal Intimidation'. It involves threatening another person with injury to their person, reputation, or property, with the intent to cause alarm or to cause that person to do any act which they are not legally bound to do.
- Section 504 deals with intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
- Section 505 deals with statements conducing to public mischief.
- Section 506 of the IPC prescribes the punishment for criminal intimidation. It provides a general punishment and a higher punishment if the threat is to cause death, grievous hurt, etc.
Therefore, the relevant sections that explain and punish criminal intimidation are primarily 503 and 506. The range given in option (A) correctly covers these key sections.
- Option (B) Section 509 deals with insulting the modesty of a woman.
- Option (C) Sections 319-329 deal with offenses of causing hurt and grievous hurt.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Criminal intimidation is defined in Section 503 and punished under Section 506 of the IPC. The range in option (A) correctly encompasses these provisions.