robbery & theft

Hello Sawan.

Both robbery and theft are offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860. In order to differentiate between robbery and theft, it is first important to understand the meaning of the term 'theft'. 

Section 378 of the IPC provides for the offence of theft. As per Section 378, a person commits theft if he/she intentionally and dishonestly takes any movable property out of any person's possession, without their consent.

Section 390 of the IPC provides for the offence of robbery.

The offence of theft becomes robbery if:

the offender attempts to cause or actually causes the death of any person, OR hurts any person, OR wrongfully restrains any person, OR instils the fear of instant death/hurt/wrongful restrain.

As far as the punishment for the aforesaid offences is concerned, Section 379 mentions the punishment for theft and Section 392  prescribes the punishment for robbery. Theft is punishable with imprisonment up to a period of three years, or fine, or both. While robbery is punishable with imprisonment up to a period of ten years, or fine, or both. 

Hopefully, this reply would help you understand the difference between robbery and theft.

(Kindly note that the context of this answer is to provide general information about the aforementioned question. Please feel free to correct me if any part/information of my answer is wrong)

Regards,

Vaibhav

(Law Student)