Belonging to gang of thieves
Full Text
Whoever belongs to any gang of persons associated in habitually committing theft or robbery, and not being a gang of dacoits, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Plain English Summary
Imposes up to 7 years rigorous imprisonment and fine for belonging to any gang of persons habitually committing theft or robbery (excluding dacoit gangs).
Key Legal Elements
- Belonging to a gang or group of persons
- The gang is associated for the purpose of habitually committing theft or robbery
- The gang is not a gang of dacoits (i.e. usually less than 5 persons or not meeting the definition of dacoity)
Punishment
Rigorous imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine
Practical Note
CRITICAL COMPARISON: In the IPC, Section 313 dealt with Causing Miscarriage without Woman's Consent (now BNS Section 91). BNS Section 313 corresponds to IPC Section 401 (belonging to gang of thieves). It targets association and gang affiliation rather than specific acts of theft, aiding police in prosecuting organized local theft rings.
हिंदी पाठ
जो कोई व्यक्तियों के किसी ऐसे गिरोह का होगा, जो आदतन चोरी या लूट करने के प्रयोजन से सम्बद्ध हो, और जो डकैतों का गिरोह न हो, वह कठिन कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि सात वर्ष तक की हो सकेगी, दण्डित किया जाएगा और जुर्माने के लिए भी उत्तरदायी होगा।