IPC Section 216A - Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits

Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2026
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty

As per new Indian Criminal law, IPC Section 216A has been replaced with BNS Section 254 with effect from July 1, 2024.
(Formal changes but essence is same- “husband or wife” is replaced by “spouse”.)

Please refer to BNS 254 for updated procedures & punishments.

Table of Contents

IPC 216A in Simple Words

IPC Section 216A related FAQs

Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that any persons are about to commit or have recently committed robbery or dacoity, harbours them or any of them, with the intention of facilitating the commission of such robbery or dacoity or of screening them or any of them from punishment, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

IPC 216A in Simple Words

Section 216A of the Indian Penal Code states that anyone who knowingly shelters or hides individuals involved in robbery or dacoity to aid their criminal activities or protect them from punishment can be sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for up to seven years and fined.

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Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits

Offence	Punishment	Cognizance	Bail	Triable
Harbouring robbers or dacoits	Rigorous Imprisonment for 7 Years and Fine	Cognizable	Bailable	Magistrate First Class

Offence : Harbouring robbers or dacoits

Punishment : Rigorous Imprisonment for 7 Years and Fine

Cognizance : Cognizable

Bail : Bailable

Triable : Magistrate First Class

Get the full list of all sections in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) here. Our comprehensive guide offers detailed information and analysis on every IPC Section to enhance your legal knowledge.

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