Indian Penal Code, 1860
380. Theft in dwelling house, etc
Whoever commits theft in any building, tent or vessel, which
building, tent or vessel is used as a human dwelling., or used for the custody
of property, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
STATE AMENDMENTS
State of Tamil Nadu:
Section 380 of the Indian Penal Code (Central Act XLV of 1860)
(hereinafter in this Part referred to as the principal Act), shall be renumbered
as sub-section (1) of that section and after sub-section (1) as so renumbered,
the following sub-section shall be added, namely:-
"(2) Whoever commits theft in respect of any idol or icon
in any building used as a place of worship shall be punished with rigorous
imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than two years but which may
extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than two thousand
rupees:
Provided that the court may, for adequate and special
reasons to be mentioned in the .judgment impose a sentence of imprisonment for
a term of less than two years."
[Vide Tamil Nadu Act 28 of 1993, sec. 2].