BNS Section 251 - Robbery
In all robbery there is either theft or extortion. When theft is robbery: Theft is "robbery" if, in order to the committing of the theft, or in committing the theft, or in carrying away or attempting to carry away property obtained by the theft, the offender, for that end, voluntarily causes or attempts to cause to any person death or hurt or wrongful restraint, or fear of instant death or of instant hurt or of instant wrongful restraint.
Official Text
“In all robbery there is either theft or extortion. When theft is robbery: Theft is "robbery" if, in order to the committing of the theft, or in committing the theft, or in carrying away or attempting to carry away property obtained by the theft, the offender, for that end, voluntarily causes or attempts to cause to any person death or hurt or wrongful restraint, or fear of instant death or of instant hurt or of instant wrongful restraint.”
Legal Analysis
Elements to Prove:
- Theft or extortion.
- Use of force, threat, or fear.
- Intent to commit robbery.
- Causing death, hurt, or wrongful restraint.
Potential Defenses:
- No theft or extortion.
- Acting in self-defense.
- No use of force or threat.
Practical Examples
What Constitutes the Offense:
Armed robbery, mugging with violence, theft with threats or force.
What Doesn't Constitute:
Simple theft without violence, borrowing with permission, or acting in self-defense.
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 10 years, and Fine