Section 254 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Section 254 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, from Chapter XIV – False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice:
📜 Section 254 – Penalty for Harbouring Robbers or Dacoits
Definition of Offence:
A person commits an offence if they, knowing or having reason to believe that others are about to commit or have recently committed robbery or dacoity, harbour or conceal them intending to:
Facilitate the commission of the offence, or
Shield them from legal punishment.
➡️ This also applies regardless of whether the robbery/dacoity occurs within or outside India (bnssections.com).
Exception:
This section does not apply if the harbouring is done by the offender’s spouse (bnssections.com).
⚖️ Punishment
Imprisonment: Rigorous imprisonment for up to 7 years.
Fine: The offender shall also be liable to pay a fine (lawrato.com, bnssections.com).
🛡️ Procedural Aspects
Cognizable: Yes — police can arrest without a warrant (lawrato.com).
Bailable: Yes .
Triable By: Magistrate of the 1st Class (lawrato.com).
🧭 Practical Context
Encourages legal enforcement against aiding serious criminals like robbers.
The exception for spouses aligns with broader legal traditions regarding marital protection.
✅ Summary Table
| Offence | Imprisonment | Fine | Cognizable | Bailable | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbouring robbers or dacoits (knowingly) | Up to 7 years | Yes | Yes | Yes | Magistrate 1st Class |
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