Difference between “Theft” and “Extortion” – Explained!

Theft:

1. Sec. 378 defines “Theft”.

2. In theft, the accused takes the movable property out of the possession of a person without that person’s consent. The accused does not obtain the consent.

3. In theft, only dishonest intention is seen in the act of accused.

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4. Theft can be committed only in case of movable property.

5. Theft is without any force or violence.

6. Theft, cheating, criminal misappropriation, and criminal breach of trust may overlap each other in certain occasions.

7. Illustrations: [Write illustrations of Sec. 378.]

Extortion:

1. Sec. 383 defines “Extortion”.

2. In extortion, the accused compels a person to handover the property. The accused obtains consent of the owner/possessor of the property by using force and violence.

3. In extortion, besides dishonest intention, the accused puts the owner/possessor in fear of injury and even to cause death.

4. Extortion can be committed in respect of any property, movable or immovable, securities, money, etc.

5. Extortion includes theft + force and sometimes violence.

6. In no occasion, extortion can overlap with theft, cheating, criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, etc. Extortion is nothing but black-mailing coupled with force. Sometimes it also takes the help of wrongful confinement to fulfill its demands.

7. Illustrations: [Write illustrations of Sec. 383.]