The period of limitation under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for taking cognizance of an…

Ordinary theft under section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (formerly section 379 IPC) carries imprisonment up to three years, or fine, or both. Section 514(2)(c) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly section 468(2)(c) CrPC) therefore supplies a three-year limitation period, subject to the statutory commencement, exclusion and extension provisions. The alternative fine does not turn it into a fine-only offence for limitation purposes.

A second or subsequent theft conviction carries one to five years and therefore falls outside the limitation categories in section 514. The low-value first-theft proviso can require community service where the property is worth less than ₹5,000 and is returned or restored.