Side-by-Side Comparison

379A vs 304

The newly nationalised offence of Snatching moves from state-specific IPC amendments to BNS Section 304, creating India's first uniform national snatching law.

What Changed?

IPC had no national Snatching section; it was charged under IPC 379 (theft) or state amendments like IPC 379A.

BNS 304 creates a uniform national definition: sudden seizure or snatching of moveable property from a person.

Snatching is now legally distinct from both simple theft (BNS 303) and robbery (BNS 309).

Punishment: up to 3 years, Non-Bailable — stronger than ordinary theft which is Bailable.

Verdict

"Standardisation of harsh penalties for chain-snatching and grab-and-run crimes across India. Non-Bailable status gives police stronger arrest powers than for ordinary theft."

Detailed Analysis

OLD LAW (IPC)

379A

Act of 1860

Snatching

Whoever, with the intention to commit theft, suddenly or quickly or forcibly seizes or secures or grabs or takes away from any person... any movable property... shall be guilty of snatching.

Punishment3 to 10 years + Fine

REFORM

NEW LAW (BNS)

304

Act of 2024

Snatching

Whoever commits theft by suddenly seizing, or snatching away from a person any moveable property without consent, is said to commit snatching.

PunishmentUp to 3 years, or Fine, or both

1860

379A Origin

2024

304 Reform

Legal Implications

Snatching has evolved into a specific category of street crime — more traumatic than silent theft but less violent than armed robbery. BNS 304 creates a dedicated national provision, distinct from theft (no 'sudden seizure from person') and robbery (no force or threat required). Non-Bailable status gives police greater enforcement powers.

Practical Scenarios

"Suddenly grabbing a woman's gold chain and running away (BNS 304)."

"Wrenching a mobile phone from a pedestrian's hand while on a moving motorcycle (BNS 304)."

Expert Q&A

Why is snatching not called robbery?

Because it does not necessarily involve a threat of hurt or death to the person, but it is more than ordinary theft due to the direct taking from the person's person.

Is BNS 304 snatching bailable?

No. BNS 304 is Non-Bailable and Cognizable — police can arrest without warrant and the accused must apply to court for bail.

What is snatching and how is it different from theft?

Snatching involves suddenly, quickly, or forcibly seizing property from a person before they can resist — chain snatching, phone grabs from hand. Theft is taking property stealthily without the person's awareness. Snatching is more brazen and confrontational.

How is snatching different from robbery?

Snatching is a quick grab — the primary element is suddenness and speed. Robbery requires force or immediate threat of force with the victim's awareness. Snatching may not involve force beyond the grab itself; robbery explicitly uses or threatens violence.

What is the punishment for snatching under BNS 304?

BNS Section 304 (Snatching) — which was only a state amendment under IPC — is now a national provision. It carries a minimum of 1 year and maximum of 3 years rigorous imprisonment plus fine. It is Non-Bailable and Cognizable.

Related IPC Sections

379 : Punishment for Theft...390 : Robbery...

Related BNS Sections

303 : Theft...161 : Robbery...

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