IPC 127

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Introduction of IPC 127

IPC Section 127 deals with the offense of receiving property that has been obtained through war or depredation. This section aims to prevent the circulation and use of property acquired by unlawful means, thereby supporting the maintenance of law and order.

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What is IPC Section 127 ?

IPC 127 criminalizes knowingly receiving or possessing property obtained through war or acts of depredation (plundering). The law applies to individuals aware that the property was acquired through such illegal activities.

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Section 127 IPC in Simple Points

1. Dealing with Property from War or Depredation

IPC 127 applies when a person receives, possesses, or trades property that was stolen, looted, or obtained through war or plundering. This includes goods taken during a war against an Asiatic power (IPC 125) or depredation (IPC 126).

2. Knowledge Requirement for Conviction

The person must know that the property was acquired illegally through war or plundering. If the person was unaware, they cannot be punished. However, if they later realize it and continue using the property, they may be held liable.

3. Purpose of the Law

The main objective of IPC 127 is to prevent stolen goods from entering the legal market. It discourages people from profiting from war crimes or illegal acts and ensures that property wrongfully taken is not used for personal gain.

4. Severe Punishment to Deter Crimes

Since war-related offenses are serious, the law provides strict punishment—up to 7 years of imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of property. This discourages individuals from dealing with illegally acquired assets.

5. Connection to Other IPC Sections

IPC 127 is linked to IPC 125 and IPC 126, which cover crimes related to waging war and depredation. It ensures that people who indirectly benefit from such crimes also face legal consequences.

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IPC Section 127 Overview

IPC 127 makes it a crime to knowingly receive or possess property that has been taken during a war or through acts of depredation (plundering). The law applies to individuals who are aware that the property was obtained through such illegal activities.

10 Key Points of IPC 127

1. Crime Related to War and Looting

This section applies when a person receives property that was stolen, looted, or taken during war or depredation. If an individual acquires such property knowingly, they are guilty under IPC 127. The law ensures that no one benefits from war crimes or unlawful violence.

2. Requirement of Knowledge

For punishment under IPC 127, the person must know that the property was acquired through illegal means like war or plundering. If a person unknowingly buys such property, they may not be guilty, but if they later find out and still keep it, they become liable.

3. Preventing the Sale of Stolen Property

One of the primary goals of IPC 127 is to stop stolen goods from entering the legal market. If people are allowed to trade such property, it encourages war crimes and illegal activities. The law ensures that criminals do not profit from stolen goods.

4. Severe Punishment for Offenders

The punishment for violating IPC 127 includes up to 7 years of imprisonment, a fine, and forfeiture of the property. This strict punishment serves as a deterrent so that people do not accept or trade stolen goods, even if offered at a lower price.

5. Confiscation of Illegal Property

The law states that the property itself will be seized by the government. Even if a person did not commit the war crime, but only received the stolen property, they must surrender it to authorities, preventing its further use or trade.

6. Connection to IPC Sections 125 and 126

IPC 127 is directly linked to IPC 125 (waging war against an Asiatic power) and IPC 126 (depredation in territories at peace with India). It ensures that not just war criminals, but those benefiting from their crimes, are also punished.

7. Includes All Forms of Property

IPC 127 does not limit itself to money or goods—it covers land, artifacts, jewelry, weapons, and any item obtained from war or looting. This broad scope prevents criminals from using loopholes to escape the law.

8. Non-Bailable Offense

Since this offense is serious and affects national security, it is non-bailable, meaning the accused cannot get bail automatically. The court must consider all facts before deciding whether to grant bail.

9. Applies to All Individuals

IPC 127 applies to anyone who knowingly receives stolen property, whether they are rich or poor, traders, businessmen, or government officials. The law does not discriminate and ensures equal punishment for all.

10. Protection of International Relations

By preventing the trade of war loot, IPC 127 maintains India’s peaceful relations with other nations. If stolen goods from other countries enter India’s markets, it can damage diplomatic ties and lead to conflicts. The law ensures that India remains a responsible global nation.

Example 1: A Merchant Buys Stolen War Goods

A merchant buys a large shipment of gold and artwork, knowing it was looted during an attack on a neighboring country’s territory (IPC 126 offense). Since he is aware of the illegal source, he can be punished under IPC 127.

Example 2: An Individual Hiding Stolen Property

A businessman hides stolen property that was taken during a military raid against an Asiatic ally of India (IPC 125 offense). Even though he did not steal it himself, he knowingly possesses illegal property, making him liable under IPC 127.

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127 IPC Punishment

Imprisonment: Imprisonment for up to seven years.

Fine: The court can impose a fine.

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127 IPC bailable or not ?

IPC 127 is a non-bailable offense. This means that getting bail is not a matter of right and is at the discretion of the court. The court may consider factors like the severity of the offense, the accused’s criminal history, and the likelihood of the accused fleeing justice when deciding on bail.

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Section 127 IPC case laws

Case 1: Trader Caught Selling Stolen War Goods

Facts of the Case:

A businessman in Delhi was caught selling antique artifacts looted during a cross-border conflict. Investigators found that the goods had been smuggled from a war-affected region, and the trader knew about their illegal origins.

Court Ruling:

The court ruled that the businessman had knowingly received stolen property from a war zone and was guilty under IPC 127. He was sentenced to five years in prison, fined ₹2 lakh, and the stolen artifacts were confiscated by the government.

Case 2: Black Market Arms Dealer Arrested

Facts of the Case:

A man was caught buying and selling weapons that were originally taken during a military conflict. He claimed he did not know the weapons were stolen, but evidence showed that he purchased them at a much lower price, indicating clear knowledge of their illegal origins.

Court Ruling:

The court found that he was aware of the illegal nature of the weapons and convicted him under IPC 127. He was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment and a heavy fine. All the illegal weapons were seized.

Case 3: Jewelry Store Found Selling Looted Gold

Facts of the Case:

A jewelry store was found selling gold ornaments and coins that had been looted during a war between two nations. The store owner claimed to have purchased them from an unknown supplier without checking their origin.

Court Ruling:

Since the owner failed to verify the source of the gold and ignored clear signs of illegal trade, the court found him guilty under IPC 127. He was sentenced to four years of imprisonment, his shop license was revoked, and all stolen gold was confiscated.

Case 4: Collector of Stolen Art Convicted

Facts of the Case:

A wealthy art collector purchased rare paintings and sculptures from a black-market dealer. The artworks were later found to be looted from a war-affected country. Investigators proved that the collector knew about the illegal origins but still kept the items.

Court Ruling:

The court held that possessing looted property knowingly was a crime under IPC 127. The collector was sentenced to six years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹5 lakh. The artworks were returned to their rightful owners.

Case 5: Smuggler Caught with War-Stolen Vehicles

Facts of the Case:

A smuggler was caught transporting luxury cars and motorcycles that had been stolen from a war-torn country. He claimed he was only a transporter, but evidence showed he was involved in the illegal trade.

Court Ruling:

The court found that the smuggler was knowingly aiding the illegal sale of stolen vehicles. He was convicted under IPC 127 and sentenced to seven years of imprisonment, and all vehicles were seized by the government.

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Section 127 IPC in short information

Aspect	Details
Definition	Knowingly receiving or possessing property obtained through war or acts of plundering
Offence	Receiving property taken by war or depredation
Punishment	Imprisonment up to 7 years and possible fine
Bailable	Non-bailable

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127 IPC FAQs

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