Code: Section 254 BNS
Offence: Harbouring Robbers or Dacoits
Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that any persons are about to
commit or have recently committed robbery or dacoity, harbours them or any of them, with
the intention of facilitating the commission of such robbery or dacoity, or of screening
them or any of them from punishment, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a
term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section it is immaterial whether the robbery
or dacoity is intended to be committed, or has been committed, within or without India.
Exception.—The provisions of this section do not extend to the case in which the
harbour is by the spouse of the offender.
Explanation of Section 254 BNS
Section 254 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita addresses the offence of harbouring individuals involved in robbery or dacoity. The key elements of this section include:
- Knowledge or Reason to Believe: The person must be aware or have reason to believe that certain individuals are about to commit or have recently committed robbery or dacoity.
- Harbouring: Providing shelter, assistance, or concealment to such individuals.
- Intentions: The harbouring must be with the intent to:
- Facilitate the commission of the robbery or dacoity.
- Screen the individuals from punishment.
- Punishment: Conviction under this section can lead to:
- Rigorous imprisonment for up to seven years.
- A monetary fine.
Illustration
Example: Harbouring Robbers
A person knowingly provides shelter to individuals who have recently committed a robbery, intending to help them evade capture. This act falls under Section 254 BNS, and upon conviction, the person could face up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine.
Common Questions and Answers on Section 254 BNS
1. What constitutes the offence under Section 254 BNS?
- Answer: The offence involves knowingly harbouring individuals who are about to commit or have recently committed robbery or dacoity, with the intent to facilitate the crime or shield the offenders from punishment.
2. What is the punishment for harbouring robbers or dacoits under this section?
- Answer: The punishment includes rigorous imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine.
3. Does the person have to be directly involved in the robbery or dacoity to be charged under this section?
- Answer: No, even if not directly involved in the crime, providing shelter or assistance to offenders with the intent to facilitate the crime or hide them from justice constitutes the offence.
Conclusion
Section 254 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita serves to penalize those who knowingly assist individuals involved in robbery or dacoity by providing shelter or aid, aiming to prevent the evasion of justice and maintain public order.
