BNS §303
Theft
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Comparison
379. Punishment for theft.—Whoever commits theft shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
(1) Whoever, intending to take dishonestly any movable property out of the possession of any person without that person's consent, moves that property in order to such taking, is said to commit theft.
(2) Whoever commits theft shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both and in case of second or subsequent conviction of any person under this section, he shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to five years and with fine: Provided that in cases of theft where the value of the stolen property is less than five thousand rupees, and a person is convicted for the first time, shall upon return of the value of property or restoration of the stolen property, shall be punished with community service.
What changedAI-inferred
BNS 303(2) consolidates theft punishment with NEW community-service alternative for first-time low-value theft.
Old position
IPC 379 is concerned with Punishment for theft. Punishment for theft
New position
BNS 303 modifies the framework. Topic: Theft. Whoever, intending to take dishonestly any movable property out of the possession of any person without that person's consent, moves that property in order to such taking, is said to commit theft
BNS 303 modifies IPC 379. BNS 303(2) consolidates theft punishment with NEW community-service alternative for first-time low-value theft. BNS 303 text: Whoever, intending to take dishonestly any movable property out of the possession of any person without that person's consent, moves that...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS 303 consolidates IPC 378 (definition of theft) and IPC 379 (base punishment for theft) into a single section. Sub-section (1) defines theft (intention to take movable property dishonestly out of the possession of any person without consent, moving that property in order to such taking). Sub-section (2) carries the base punishment. Aggravated forms (low-value vs high-value theft, repeat offences) appear in further sub-sections of BNS 303 partly visible in this extract.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 379 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 303 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 303 (Theft). The relationship is classified as modified — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §379 → BNS §303 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-14, https://newlaws.in/bns/303.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
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