BNS Section 310 – Dacoity

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section – 391,395,396,399,400,402

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 310: Dacoity

Dacoity is a serious crime involving a group of five or more people committing or attempting to commit robbery together. Below is a simple explanation of the law in easy-to-understand language:


What is Dacoity?

Dacoity occurs when:

  1. Five or more people come together to commit or attempt to commit robbery.
  2. This includes:
    • Those directly committing the robbery,
    • Those aiding the robbery, and
    • Those present during the robbery.

Types of Dacoity and Punishments

Type of OffencePunishment
Dacoity– Imprisonment for life, or
– Rigorous imprisonment for up to 10 years, and
– Fine.
Murder During Dacoity– Death, or
– Imprisonment for life, or
– Rigorous imprisonment for at least 10 years, and
– Fine.
Preparation for Dacoity– Rigorous imprisonment for up to 10 years, and
– Fine.
Assembling for Dacoity– Rigorous imprisonment for up to 7 years, and
– Fine.
Belonging to a Dacoity Gang– Imprisonment for life, or
– Rigorous imprisonment for up to 10 years, and
– Fine.

Other Important Details

AspectDetails
Cognizable or Non-cognizableCognizable – Police can arrest without a warrant.
Bailable or Non-bailableNon-bailable – The accused cannot easily get bail.
Court for TrialCourt of Session – The case is tried by a higher court.

Key Points to Understand

  1. Group Crime:
    • Dacoity involves five or more people working together to commit robbery.
    • It is a more serious crime than robbery because of the involvement of a group.
  2. Severity of Punishment:
    • Dacoity is punished severely, with life imprisonment or up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
    • If murder is committed during dacoity, the punishment can be death or life imprisonment.
  3. Preparation and Assembly:
    • Even preparing for dacoity or assembling with the intent to commit it is a crime.
    • Belonging to a gang that habitually commits dacoity is also punishable.

Why is this Law Important?

This law is important because:

  • It prevents group crimes like dacoity, which can cause widespread fear and harm.
  • It ensures strict punishment for those involved in such violent group activities.
  • It maintains public safety and deters organized crime.

Summary

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 310 defines dacoity as robbery committed by five or more people together. The punishment ranges from 7 years to life imprisonment, and in cases of murder during dacoity, it can even be death. Preparing for dacoity, assembling for it, or belonging to a dacoity gang are also punishable. The law ensures that group crimes like dacoity are dealt with strictly to protect society.