IPC 396 → BNS 310(3): Dacoity with Murder

Quick Summary: IPC 396 vs BNS 310(3)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 396 (Dacoity with Murder) is one of the IPC's offences against property — theft, extortion, robbery, dacoity, criminal breach of trust, cheating, mischief and criminal trespass. The BNS keeps this structure and adds a distinct provision for snatching, renumbering dacoity with murder as BNS 310(3).

What did IPC 396 cover?

IPC 396 dealt with dacoity with murder — dacoity with murder. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 310(3): What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to dacoity with murder are filed under BNS Section 310(3), while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 310(3)

Same - Death, Life or 10 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For dacoity with murder, the dividing lines — theft versus extortion, cheating versus breach of trust — decide the charge; confirm the BNS 310(3) mapping before drafting.
• Police officers: Establish dishonest intention and the manner of taking; a new dacoity with murder FIR cites BNS 310(3).
• Law students & citizens: With dacoity with murder, value, the manner of taking and any force used determine which property offence applies and how serious it is.