Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 304
Snatching
(1) Theft is snatching if, in order to commit theft, the offender suddenly or quickly or forcibly seizes or secures or grabs or takes away from any person or from his possession any movable property.
(2) Whoever commits snatching, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Why this exists
Snatching — like grabbing a phone or chain right off a person's body while riding past on a bike — had become common enough in Indian cities that lawmakers carved it out as its own distinct, more clearly defined offence, separate from ordinary theft and from robbery (which involves fear or force causing or threatening injury). It fills a gap between simple theft and robbery.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: Snatching and robbery are the same thing.
Fact: Snatching is a distinct, specifically defined offence covering sudden, quick, or forcible seizure of property; robbery is a broader, separately defined offence typically involving fear of instant death, hurt, or restraint.