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.
Simplified Explanation
Section 134 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 addresses assault or criminal force used in the commission of theft.
Section 134 – Assault or Criminal Force in Attempt to Commit Theft of Property Carried by a Person
- Offense: This section makes it an offense if a person:
- Assaults or uses criminal force against another person,
- While attempting to commit theft on property that the person is wearing or carrying.
- Punishment: The offender shall be punished with:
- Imprisonment of either description (simple or rigorous) for a term which may extend to two years,
- Fine, or
- Both imprisonment and fine.
Key Points:
- Theft in Progress: The assault or force must be linked directly to an attempted theft on property that the person being assaulted is carrying or wearing. This suggests that the use of force occurs while trying to steal something from the victim.
- Punishment: The law recognizes the seriousness of committing theft through assault or force, providing a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
This section highlights the aggravating factor of using force during the attempt to steal, underlining that any violent or forceful attempt to steal property from a person is treated seriously by the law.
