Robbery

What this section does

Defines robbery as an aggravated form of theft or extortion where the offender voluntarily causes or threatens instant death, hurt, or wrongful restraint. Dacoity-related robbery on a highway between sunset and sunrise attracts extended imprisonment. Causing hurt during robbery or attempted robbery can result in life imprisonment.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Quick reference

Punishment

Robbery: rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years and fine; if on a highway between sunset and sunrise, up to 14 years (sub-section 4). Attempt to commit robbery: rigorous imprisonment up to 7 years and fine (sub-section 5). Robbery/attempted robbery with voluntary causing of hurt: imprisonment for life, or rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years, and fine (sub-section 6).

Triable by

Sessions Court

Cognizable

Yes

Bailable

No

Compoundable

No

Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)

1. Accused committed theft or extortion
2. For theft to become robbery: in order to commit the theft, or while committing it, or while carrying away/attempting to carry away stolen property, the offender voluntarily caused or attempted to cause death, hurt, wrongful restraint, or fear of instant death, hurt, or wrongful restraint
3. For extortion to become robbery: the offender was present before the person put in fear, committed extortion by putting that person in fear of instant death, instant hurt, or instant wrongful restraint, and induced immediate delivery of the thing extorted

• IPC Section 390 — Robbery
• IPC Section 392 — Punishment for robbery