Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 461
repealedDishonestly breaking open receptacle containing property
Whoever dishonestly or with intent to commit mischief, breaks open or unfastens any closed receptacle which contains or which he believes to contain property, shall 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
Locked or closed containers signal an owner's intention to keep their contents secure and private. This section protects that expectation by punishing anyone who forces such a container open with dishonest intent or the intent to damage its contents, even before any theft is completed, since the forced opening itself is a wrong against the owner's control over their belongings.