IPC Section 379 = BNS Section 303

Punishment for Theft

चोरी के लिए दण्ड

Offences Against Property No Change in Punishment Cognizable Non-Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 379 of the IPC dealt with the punishment for theft. Under the BNS 2023, this is now Section 303. The punishment remains imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both. Theft remains one of the most commonly reported offences in India.

Hindi IPC की धारा 379 चोरी के दण्ड से संबंधित थी। BNS 2023 के तहत, यह अब धारा 303 है। दण्ड 3 वर्ष तक कारावास, या जुर्माना, या दोनों बना हुआ है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 379 Section 303
Title Punishment for Theft Punishment for Theft
Punishment Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both Imprisonment up to 3 years and fine
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable No — Bail at the discretion of the court
Compoundable Yes — Can be settled between parties
Triable By Any Magistrate

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 379 to BNS 303
  • Punishment remains substantially the same
  • Continues to be compoundable with permission of court

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused moved movable property out of the possession of another person
  2. 2 The moving was done dishonestly
  3. 3 The moving was done without the consent of the person in possession
  4. 4 The property was movable property

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 379?

IPC Section 379 (Theft) is now BNS Section 303 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Is theft compoundable under BNS?

Yes. BNS Section 303 (theft) is a compoundable offence with the permission of the court.

What is the maximum punishment for theft under BNS?

The maximum punishment under BNS Section 303 is imprisonment up to 3 years and fine.

Legal Disclaimer

This IPC-to-BNS section comparison is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The mapping may not cover all nuances introduced by the new law. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before relying on this information. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

Need Help With Your Legal Matter?

Search court cases, track case status, or get in touch with us for assistance.