What is the doctrine of recent possession?

The doctrine of recent possession means that where a person is found with a property recently reported; stolen, that person may be held to have stolen it. The possessor of the property recently reported stolen is regarded either as the actual thief or a guilty receiver. 

Note: The doctrine of recent possession is not provided for in the Penal Code Act, Cap. 16. It was developed by our Courts under section 114 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 now section 122 of the Evidence Act, 1967.