IPC 211 vs BNS 211
● Retained in BNSDishonestly receiving stolen property
Section 211 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, addresses the offence of dishonestly receiving stolen property. This provision punishes individuals who knowingly take possession of property that has been obtained by theft, robbery, or other criminal acts, with the intent to benefit themselves or aid the offender.
Key aspects:
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The person must know or have reason to believe that the property is stolen.
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The offence covers receiving, retaining, or disposing of stolen property.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
Example: Purchasing jewelry from someone knowing it was stolen, or keeping stolen electronics for resale. IPC 211 helps curb the market for stolen goods and holds beneficiaries of theft accountable, thereby supporting justice and property rights.
Dishonestly receiving stolen property
Section 211 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, corresponds directly to IPC 211. It punishes individuals who dishonestly receive, retain, or dispose of stolen property, knowing that it has been obtained through criminal activity.
Key aspects:
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The property must be stolen or unlawfully obtained, and the receiver must know or suspect this.
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Punishment remains: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
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Example: Accepting stolen cash, electronics, or vehicles with knowledge of their origin.
This provision under BNS ensures that persons who benefit from crime cannot escape liability, strengthening the deterrence against theft, robbery, and illegal trade in stolen goods.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 211 to BNS BNS 211.