Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 215
repealedTaking gift to help to recover stolen property, etc
Whoever takes or agrees or consents to take any gratification under pretence or on account of helping any person to recover any movable property of which he shall have been deprived by any offence punishable under this Code, shall, unless he uses all means in his power to cause the offender to be apprehended and convicted of the offence, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Why this exists
This section targets middlemen or go-betweens who profit from crime by acting as fixers between thieves and victims — for example, someone who takes a reward for 'arranging' the return of stolen goods without helping catch the thief, effectively letting the crime go unpunished for a price. The law aims to prevent people from turning recovery of stolen property into a paid service that shields criminals from justice.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: Getting stolen property back through informal deals is harmless as long as the owner is happy.
Fact: The law says taking a reward for such 'help' is a crime unless real efforts are made to get the actual offender caught and punished — happiness of the victim doesn't excuse letting the thief go free. - Myth: This section punishes victims who pay to get their property back.
Fact: It punishes the person accepting the gratification for arranging recovery, not the victim who pays for the return of their own property.