Section 461 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Section 461 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offence of dishonestly breaking open receptacle containing property. This section defines and penalizes the act of breaking open any closed container or receptacle that holds any property belonging to someone else, with the intention of committing theft, mischief, or any other criminal act.

Offence under Section 461 of IPC:
According to Section 461 of IPC, whoever dishonestly or fraudulently breaks open any closed receptacle, or any part of any such receptacle, or loots any property therein shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to three years or with a fine or with both.

Explanation:
The explanation to the section clarifies that “a wooden box with a sliding lid, a bureau with a lock, a cash-box with a key, and a glass-case with a hasp and staple, are receptacles within the meaning of this section.”

Punishment under Section 461 of IPC:
The punishment for the offence under Section 461 of IPC is imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three years or a fine, or both.

Case study:
In the case of State of Gujarat v. Bhagvanji Karsanji Gohil (1999), the accused had broken open a cupboard in order to commit theft. The Supreme Court held that the act of breaking open the cupboard constituted the offence under Section 461 of IPC, and the accused was convicted and sentenced accordingly.

Example:
Suppose that A breaks into B’s house with the intention of stealing B’s jewellery. A finds B’s jewellery in a locked cupboard and breaks it open to steal the jewellery. In this scenario, A has committed an offence under Section 461 of IPC by breaking open the cupboard to steal B’s property.

Conclusion:
Section 461 of the IPC aims to protect the property of individuals and to deter theft and other criminal acts. The act of breaking open any closed container or receptacle that holds any property belonging to someone else, with the intention of committing theft, mischief, or any other criminal act is punishable under this section. It is important to note that breaking open a receptacle does not necessarily mean physically damaging the receptacle; it can also include opening it with a key or other means without the owner’s consent. Anyone found guilty under Section 461 of IPC can be punished with imprisonment for up to three years or a fine, or both.

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Deals with the offence of dishonestly receiving stolen property

April 27, 2023/

Section 461 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Indian Penal Code

Section 461 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

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