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IPC Section 401 - Punishment for belonging to gang of thieves


Last Updated: 01 Mar, 2025
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty


As per new Indian Criminal law, IPC Section 401 has been replaced with BNS Section 313 with effect from July 1, 2024.
(The word 'thieves' is replaced by “robbers” in the heading. The words “at any time after the passing of this Act, shall” “at wandering or other”and “for the purpose of” are excluded.)

Please refer to BNS 313 for updated procedures & punishments.

Table of Contents
  1. IPC 401 in Simple Words
  2. IPC Section 401 related FAQs
Whoever, at any time after the passing of this Act, shall belong to any wandering or other gang of persons associated for the purpose of habitually committing theft or robbery, and not being a gang of thugs or dacoits, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.



IPC 401 in Simple Words

If someone belongs to a wandering or other gang associated with the habitual purpose of committing theft or robbery (not being a gang of thugs or dacoits), they can be punished with rigorous imprisonment for up to seven years and fined.


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Punishment for belonging to gang of thieves

Offence : Belonging to a wandering gang of persons associated for the purpose of habitually committing thefts


Punishment : Rigorous Imprisonment for 7 Years + Fine


Cognizance : Cognizable


Bail : Non-Bailable


Triable : Magistrate First Class



Explore the comprehensive list of all sections under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Our detailed guide provides a complete overview of each IPC Section to help you understand Indian law better.




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Frequently Asked Questions


What is Section 407 of the IPC?

Anyone who, as a warehouse-keeper or wharfinger, is entrusted to look after property, commits criminal breaches of trust in relation to such property will be punished by imprisonment for up to seven years.


What is Sec 400 of IPC?

Anyone who, after the passage of this Act belongs to a group of people associated with the intention of committing dacoity on a regular basis, will be punished by imprisonment for life or a rigorous prison term that can extend up to ten year, as well as a fine.


What is IPC 501?

Anyone who prints or engraves a matter knowing or having reason to believe it is defamatory to any person shall be punished by simple imprisonment of a period that may extend up to two years or by fine or both.