Section 22 IPC: “Movable property”
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 22 IPC at a Glance
Section 22 IPC defines the term “Movable property”. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 2(21) BNS.
None. Section 22 IPC creates no offence.
Section 22 IPC Bare Act Text
22. “Movable property”
The words “movable property” are intended to include corporeal property of every description, except land and things attached to the earth or permanently fastened to anything which is attached to the earth.
Source: Section 22, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 22 IPC in Simple Words
Section 22 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines movable property. The words include corporeal property of every description, meaning property with a physical existence. Three things are left out: land, things attached to the earth, and things permanently fastened to anything attached to the earth. The section creates no offence and sets no punishment.
Ingredients of Section 22 IPC
- The property is corporeal, having a physical existence
- It is not land
- It is not attached to the earth
- It is not permanently fastened to anything which is attached to the earth
Punishment Under Section 22 IPC
None. Section 22 IPC creates no offence.
None.
Section 22 IPC is a definition. It has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC.
Example of Section 22 IPC
When Section 22 IPC Does Not Apply
- Section 22 IPC does not apply to a residential plot of land, because land is expressly excluded from movable property.
- Section 22 IPC does not apply to unharvested wheat standing in a field, because the crop is still attached to the earth.
- Section 22 IPC does not apply to steel shutters permanently welded into the brick pillars of a warehouse built into the ground, because they are permanently fastened to something attached to the earth.
- Section 22 IPC does not apply to an intangible copyright or an unsecured debt, because it is not corporeal property with a physical existence.
Section 22 IPC in the BNS
Section 22 IPC is now covered under Section 2(21) BNS.
Section 2(21) BNS drops the words are intended to include corporeal and says movable property includes property of every description. The IPC limited the definition to corporeal property; the BNS text carries no such limit, so the definition is wider. The three exclusions for land, things attached to the earth, and things permanently fastened to anything attached to the earth are word for word the same.
View detailed comparison (IPC 22 vs BNS 2(21)) →FAQs on Section 22 IPC
What does Section 22 IPC define?▼
Movable property. The words include corporeal property of every description, except land, things attached to the earth, and things permanently fastened to anything attached to the earth.
What does corporeal mean under Section 22 IPC?▼
Having a physical existence. Furniture, vehicles, jewellery, tools and cash are corporeal. A bare right or claim is not.
Under Section 22 IPC, is a standing tree or a growing crop movable property?▼
No. Section 22 IPC excludes things attached to the earth, and a rooted tree or a growing crop is attached. Once cut, the timber or the harvested crop is movable property.
Under Section 22 IPC, why does the definition matter for theft?▼
Theft under Section 378 IPC can be committed only of movable property. Explanation 1 to Section 378 IPC says a thing attached to the earth is not the subject of theft, but becomes capable of it as soon as it is severed from the earth.
Does Section 22 IPC create an offence?▼
No. It fixes the meaning of the words and sets no punishment. The punishment comes from the section charged, such as Section 379 IPC for theft.
Have questions about Section 22 IPC?
Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, punishment details, or how it applies to your situation.
Ask NyayGuru →Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.
Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·