06/04/2026
⚖️📢 Difference Between Robbery and Dacoity (Sections 309 & 310 BNS)
🔴 Robbery (Section 309 BNS)
Robbery is essentially an aggravated form of theft or extortion. It occurs when a person causes (or attempts to cause) death, hurt, or wrongful restraint—or creates a fear of instant death or hurt—in order to commit theft or carry away stolen property.
Punishment: Up to 10 years of imprisonment + fine.
Night-time Offense: If the robbery is committed on a highway between sunset and sunrise, the punishment can extend to 14 years.
🔴 Dacoity (Section 310 BNS)
When 5 or more persons conjointly commit or attempt to commit a robbery, or where the whole number of persons conjointly committing/attempting and those present and aiding amount to five or more, it is defined as Dacoity.
Punishment: Imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for up to 10 years + fine.
📌 Key Differences
Feature Robbery Dacoity
Number of Persons Can be committed by a single person (up to 4). Requires a minimum of 5 persons.
Nature of Crime 1 to 4 individuals involved. 5 or more individuals involved.
Severity Considered less severe than dacoity in terms of group impact. Considered more serious due to the "strength in numbers" which increases terror.
Legal Classification 1 to 4 persons = Robbery.
