Rithvik Kumar, BA LLB, School of Legal Studies, Central University of Kashmir, India
Tannu Angral, BA LLB, School of Legal Studies, Central University of Kashmir, India
Anil Kumar, Assistant Professor, School of Legal Studies, Central University of Kashmir
ABSTRACT
Offences against property encompass a broad spectrum of transgressions, each governed by specific provisions within the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, the distinctive crime of snatching remains conspicuously absent from singular legislative coverage, being instead addressed through disparate sections of the IPC. Regrettably, victims of snatching often find themselves denied justice as existing legal measures lack the potency to combat this menace effectively. The prevailing legal framework not only falls short in prescribing proportionate penalties for such acts but also needs to offer compensatory solace to those aggrieved. This article contends that although snatching may not be explicitly categorised as an independent offence, its severity warrants immediate attention from policymakers. The ramifications of snatching extend beyond the initial act itself, often leading to physical harm, grievous injuries, and even fatalities. Shockingly, the perpetrators of snatching evade liability for these graver collateral consequences, which eclipses the act of snatching itself. To mitigate losses both to property and human life, the imperative of introducing stringent legislation to address snatching cannot be overstated. This article aims to elucidate the modus operandi of snatching, underscore its multifaceted repercussions, and advocate for the essential criminalisation of snatching by integrating specific and effective deterrent provisions into the Indian Penal Code.
Keywords: Snatching offences, Indian Penal Code, Property crimes, Criminal legislation, Crime prevention, Theft, Robbery, Cyber offence, Punishment.
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