Snatching is now non-bailable offence in Haryana

Haryana on Monday became the first state where snatching has become a non-bailable offence and an accused can be punished now upto five years.

This is possible after the state Assembly passed two separate Bills here on the concluding day of its brief monsoon session, which had commenced on Friday.

Also, the quantum of punishment for having committed this offence has been increased.

Two separate Bills – the Indian Penal Code (Haryana Amendment) Bill, 2014 and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Haryana Amendment) Bill, 2014 – were passed in the Assembly.

As per the Code of Criminal Procedure (Haryana Amendment) Bill, 2014, the quantum of punishment for snatching would be five years, which may extend to ten years, and fine of Rs 25,000 and in case of snatching with hurt or wrongful restraint or fear of hurt, the quantum of punishment would be 10 years, which may extend to 14 years, and fine of Rs 25,000.

Earlier, the quantum of punishment was two years, or with fine, or with both.

Also, whoever, commits snatching, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term, which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine of Rs 25,000.

This would help in curbing the menace of snatching incidents in Haryana, the state Assembly was informed.

The Assembly on Monday also passed Haryana Police Amendment Bill 2014 so as to further strengthen the State Police Complaint Authority.