Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 254
Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits
Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that any persons are about to commit or have recently committed robbery or dacoity, harbours them or any of them, with the intention of facilitating the commission of such robbery or dacoity, or of screening them or any of them from punishment, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—For the purposes of this section it is immaterial whether the robbery or dacoity is intended to be committed, or has been committed, within or without India. Exception.—The provisions of this section do not extend to the case in which the harbour is by the spouse of the offender.
Why this exists
Robbery and especially dacoity (gang robbery, often violent) are treated with particular severity because of the coordinated, dangerous nature of these crimes. This provision, earlier Section 216A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, imposes a stiff penalty on anyone who knowingly shelters such gangs, whether to help the crime happen in the first place or to protect the gang afterward, recognizing that safe houses are often essential to organized robbery operations.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: This offence only applies if the robbery happens in India.
Fact: The law explicitly says it does not matter whether the robbery or dacoity was committed within or outside India.