Dishonestly breaking open receptacle containing property
What this section does
Creates two offences relating to dishonest or mischievous breaking open of closed receptacles: a general offence applicable to any person, and an aggravated offence applicable to a person entrusted with the receptacle who opens it without authority.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Sub-s.(1): Imprisonment of either description up to 2 years, or fine, or both; Sub-s.(2) (entrusted person): up to 3 years, or fine, or both
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- Yes
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- Breaking open or unfastening a closed receptacle
- The receptacle contains or is believed to contain property
- Act done dishonestly or with intent to commit mischief
- For sub-s.(2): the accused was entrusted with the receptacle and lacked authority to open it
Practitioner note
Sub-section (2) imposes a higher maximum on persons in a position of trust, reflecting the breach of confidence involved.
Derived from IPC s.461–462.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 334, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 334 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.