IPC Section 378
Section 378 – Theft
Section 378 IPC defines the offence of theft, which is taking someone else’s property dishonestly without their consent.
Main Provisions
Act of Theft
A person is said to commit theft if they move someone else’s property without permission and with dishonest intent.
Key Ingredients of Theft
To constitute theft, the following elements must be present:
Property belonging to someone else – The property must not belong to the offender.
Dishonest intention – The person must intend to deprive the owner of it permanently.
Without consent – The owner must not give permission for taking the property.
Movable property – Only movable property (like money, goods, or valuables) can be stolen, not immovable property like land or buildings.
Example
Suppose Rahul takes Ramesh’s phone from his bag without permission, intending to keep it permanently.
This is theft under Section 378 IPC, because Rahul dishonestly took someone else’s movable property without consent.
Connection with Other Sections
Section 379 IPC: Punishment for theft – imprisonment up to 3 years, fine, or both.
Section 380 IPC: Theft in a dwelling house.
Section 381 IPC: Theft by a clerk or servant.
✅ In short:
Section 378 IPC defines theft as dishonestly taking someone else’s movable property without their consent, intending to permanently deprive them of it.
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