Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 252
Taking gift to help to recover stolen property, etc
Whoever takes or agrees or consents to take any gratification under pretence or on account of helping any person to recover any movable property of which he shall have been deprived by any offence punishable under this Sanhita, shall, unless he uses all means in his power to cause the offender to be apprehended and convicted of the offence, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Why this exists
This provision, earlier Section 215 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, targets people who profit from acting as informal 'recovery agents' for stolen goods (sometimes with knowledge of or connections to the thief) while making no genuine effort to have the actual offender brought to justice, effectively enabling theft rings to operate with a safety net.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: Helping recover stolen property for a fee is always a good, harmless service.
Fact: If you take a reward for recovery but make no genuine effort to have the actual offender apprehended and convicted, that is itself a punishable offence.