Snatching
What this section does
Creates a distinct offence of snatching, defined as a form of theft where the offender suddenly, quickly, or forcibly seizes or grabs movable property from a person or from their possession.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 3 years, and also liable to fine.
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- Accused committed theft
- In order to commit the theft, the accused suddenly, quickly, or forcibly seized, secured, grabbed, or took away movable property
- The property was taken from a person or from that person's possession
Practitioner note
Snatching is a new standalone offence under BNS with no direct IPC equivalent; previously prosecuted under general theft provisions.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 304, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 304 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.