A takes a camera belonging to B out of the possession of B without the consent of B, with the intention…

This follows section 378 illustration (l): dishonestly removing another person’s property without consent to hold it until a reward is paid for restoration is theft. The intended wrongful deprivation need not be permanent. Criminal misappropriation normally concerns later dishonest conversion rather than this initial dishonest taking; extortion would require the separate fear-induced delivery elements, and cheating requires the relevant deception.

Current law: BNS section 303 retains the theft definition and this reward-for-restoration illustration. It also changes punishment rules, including community service for a qualifying first conviction involving property worth less than ₹5,000 with restoration or return. BNS commenced on 1 July 2024 subject to section 358 savings.