सं Samvidhan

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 443

repealed

Lurking house-trespass

Why this exists

This provision recognises that a stealthy, concealed intrusion into someone's dwelling is more dangerous and more clearly malicious than an open one, since the trespasser is actively trying to avoid detection, often as a precursor to theft or worse. Marking out 'lurking' trespass as its own category allows the law to punish sneaky, concealed intrusions more severely than trespass done in plain sight.