IPC Section 379

BNS Section 303— Theft

Effective for any FIR, charge sheet, or filing on or after 1 July 2024. Matters that arose before that date continue under the IPC.

Defines theft as the dishonest taking of movable property out of another's possession without consent, and prescribes punishment. A first-time offender where the stolen property is worth less than ₹5,000 may be sentenced to community service upon return or restoration of the property. Repeat offenders face enhanced mandatory minimum imprisonment.

Punishment

First conviction: imprisonment of either description up to 3 years, or fine, or both. If stolen property value is less than ₹5,000 and first conviction, community service upon return/restoration of property. Second or subsequent conviction: rigorous imprisonment of not less than 1 year and up to 5 years, and fine.

Triable by

Magistrate of First Class

Cognizable

Yes

Bailable

Yes