In this article you will learn about the Difference Between Robbery and Dacoity in IPC.
Robbery
Section 390 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines the term ‘Robbery’. According to this provision, it is an aggravated form of extortion or theft, wherein there is fear of death, hurt or wrongful restraint. In this minimum one person may commit the offence. It is relatively less grave offence than dacoity. It is a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence and is triable by Magistrate of the first class.
Section 392 of the Indian Penal Code(IPC) defines the punishment for robbery that is up to ten years of rigorous imprisonment as well as fine. It is punishable only in its last two stages of crime i.e. attempt and accomplishment.
Illustration
X shows a gun to Y and demands Y’s bag. Y in consequence, surrenders his bag. Here, X has committed the offence of Robbery.
Dacoity
Section 391 of the Indian Penal Code(IPC) defines the term ‘Dacoity’. It is an advanced form of robbery wherein at least five participants are involved conjointly in its commission. Dacoity is a grave and more heinous offence than robbery. It is a cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable offence and is triable by the Court of Session.
Section 395 of the Indian Penal Code(IPC) defines the punishment for dacoity that is up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment or life imprisonment as well as fine. This offence is punishable in all of its stages of crime.
Illustration
A, B, C, D, E and F are armed with weapons. All pointed guns towards Z for her necklaces. Z surrenders her necklace to them. A, B, C, D, E and F have committed the offence of Dacoity.
Points of Differences
| DIFFERENCE | ROBBERY | DACOITY |
|---|---|---|
| Section | Section 390 | Section 391 |
| Meaning | An aggravated form of extortion or theft, wherein there is fear of death, hurt or wrongful restraint. | An advanced form of robbery wherein at least five participants are involved conjointly in its commission. |
| Number of Participants | Minimum one person may commit the offence of robbery. | There must be five or more participants. |
| Gravity | Robbery is relatively less grave offence than dacoity. | Dacoity is a grave and more heinous offence than robbery. |
| Stages of Crime | Robbery is punishable only in its last two stages of crime i.e. attempt and accomplishment. | Dacoity is an offence in the IPC which is punishable at all stages of crime. |
| Punishment | Up to ten years of rigorous imprisonment as well as fine. | Up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment or life imprisonment as well as fine. |
| Nature of Offence | It is a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence. | It is a cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable offence. |
Conclusion
The key difference between robbery and dacoity in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) lies in the nature of the offences and the number of perpetrators involved. Robbery involves the use of force or the threat of force by an individual against another person to commit theft. On the other hand, dacoity is a more serious offence committed by a gang of five or more armed individuals. The gang members share a common intention to commit robbery, and the offence is characterised by the use of deadly weapons.
This article on Difference Between Robbery and Dacoity in IPC is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.