IPC Section 392
Section 392 IPC – Punishment for Robbery
This section deals with robbery, which is a theft committed with violence or threat of violence.
Main Provision
Robbery is when a person commits theft and, at the time of doing so, uses or threatens to use force on anyone, or causes fear of instant injury to a person, in order to commit the theft or to retain stolen property.
Section 392 prescribes the punishment for such acts.
Key Elements
Theft
There must be an act of theft first (taking property dishonestly).
Use of Force or Threat
The offender must use or threaten to use force:
Against the person from whom property is stolen, or
Against anyone nearby to facilitate the theft.
Intent to Commit Theft
The violence or threat must be in order to commit theft or retain stolen property.
Punishment
Imprisonment for up to 10 years, and
Fine.
If the robbery causes grievous hurt, other sections (like 394 IPC) apply for harsher punishment.
Difference Between Theft and Robbery
| Feature | Theft (Section 378 IPC) | Robbery (Section 390–392 IPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | Not required | Force or threat of force is essential |
| Intent | Dishonest taking of property | Dishonest taking + immediate use/threat of violence |
| Punishment | Up to 3 years | Up to 10 years + fine |
Example
A person snatches a woman’s purse on the street using force or threatening her.
This is robbery under Section 392 IPC, not just theft.
A person steals from a shop without using force.
This is simple theft under Section 378 IPC, not robbery.
✅ In short:
Section 392 IPC punishes anyone who commits theft with violence or threat of violence, i.e., robbery.
RELATED Blog
0 comments