IPC Section 356 — Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person

criminal force and assault

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both”

Summary

If someone attacks or uses physical force against another person while trying to steal something that the person is wearing or carrying at that moment, that person can be punished. The punishment can be imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

Official Text

Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person, in attempting to commit theft on any property which that person is then wearing or carrying shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Related Judgments

  • SAMMI & ANR. vs STATE — Delhi High Court (2015)
  • MEHBOOB; Represented by:; Mr. K.N. Jha, Adv. vs STATE (NCT OF DELHI) — Delhi High Court (2017)
  • NENAVATH BUJJI ETC. vs THE STATE OF TELANGANA AND ORS — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • UMASHANKAR YADAV & ANR. vs STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH, THROUGH CHIEF SECRETARY & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH vs CHEEMALAPATI GANESWARA RAO & ANR — Supreme Court of India (1963)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • BNS §134 — Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person