The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) is the new criminal law that has replaced the Indian Penal Code after more than 160 years. One of the most important parts of this law is the chapter on offences against property. Property, whether movable or immovable, is a basic part of people’s lives. It gives individuals a sense of security and stability, and it plays an important role in the economy of society. When someone unlawfully takes away or interferes with another person’s property, it not only harms the owner but also creates insecurity and disorder in society. To prevent such acts, the BNS has laid down clear rules. It describes in detail different crimes related to property such as theft, extortion, robbery, dacoity, criminal misappropriation, breach of trust, cheating and handling stolen property.

Each of these offences is defined carefully and specific punishments are provided depending on how serious the crime is. For example, theft done in a dwelling house is treated more seriously than simple theft, and robbery or dacoity attract even harsher penalties because they involve violence and greater risk to society. By updating and simplifying old provisions, the new law makes these offences easier to understand and apply. It balances the need to protect individual property rights with the larger goal of maintaining peace and order in society.

 What is theft and........

© Greater Kashmir