Snatching would be a non-bailable offence in Chandigarh with a higher quantum of maximum punishment of ten years of rigorous imprisonment now.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a gazette notification dated December 16, under Section 87 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, extending the Code of Criminal Procedure (Haryana Amendment) Act, 2014, to the union territory of Chandigarh.

The neighboring state of Haryana is the first state to make a strict law against snatching. The state had added two new clauses to Section 379, which would not be extending to Chandigarh.

According to Section – 379 A, the quantum of punishment for snatching will not be less than five years, which may extend to ten years of rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 25,000.

In case of snatching with hurt or wrongful restraint or fear of hurt under Section 379-B, the quantum of punishment will not be less than ten years and which may extend to 14 years, and fine of Rs 25,000.

The offence of snatching will be non-bailable and the trial in these matters will now be conducted by a Court of Session.

Earlier, snatching was punishable with a maximum of three-year jail or with fine or with both. And, the police used to register cases of snatching under Section 379 (theft) of IPC and Section 356 of IPC (use of criminal force to commit theft).

The lenient law had failed to deter the snatchers in the city following which the Chandigarh Administration had written to the MHA to make the snatching offence non-bailable with a rigorous imprisonment of 10 years.

Since the past few years, the growing number of cases of snatchings have instilled fear among residents especially women in the city.

Last year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had even slammed the Chandigarh Administration for its non-serious approach on the amendment of IPC provisions in snatching cases.

Chandigarh based advocate Ajay Jagga said that the snatching offence has been made cognizable which means the police has to register a case in such incidents now. Besides, the offence has been made non-bailable now, he said.

I welcome this step and feel that this would act as a deterrent and Chandigarh Police will have to take action in such cases, he added.