Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, is a comprehensive legal framework enacted to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It comprises 20 chapters encompassing a total of 358 sections, each addressing specific aspects of criminal law. Below is an overview of the chapters and their key provisions:
Chapter I: Preliminary (Sections 1–3)
- Section 1: Provides the short title, commencement, and application of the Act.
- Section 2: Defines various terms used within the Act.
- Section 3: Offers general explanations and expressions relevant to the Act.
Chapter II: Of Punishments (Sections 4–13)
- Section 4: Enumerates the types of punishments that can be imposed.
- Section 5: Details the commutation of sentences, including death and life imprisonment.
- Sections 6–13: Address aspects such as fractions of terms of punishment and the nature of sentences (rigorous or simple).
Chapter III: General Exceptions (Sections 14–44)
- Sections 14–33: Outline general exceptions to offenses, providing circumstances under which certain acts may not constitute offenses.
- Sections 34–44: Discuss the right to private defense and the extent to which it can be exercised.
Chapter IV: Of Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy, and Attempt (Sections 45–62)
- Sections 45–49: Define abetment and prescribe punishments for abetment of offenses.
- Sections 50–55: Cover criminal conspiracy, including its definition and associated penalties.
- Sections 56–62: Address attempts to commit offenses and their legal consequences.
Chapter V: Of Offenses Against Women and Children (Sections 63–99)
- Sections 63–73: Deal with sexual offenses, including assault and harassment.
- Sections 74–79: Focus on criminal force and assault specifically targeting women.
- Sections 80–87: Relate to offenses concerning marriage, such as bigamy and adultery.
- Sections 88–99: Address issues like causing miscarriage and injuries to unborn children.
Chapter VI: Of Offenses Affecting the Human Body (Sections 100–144)
- Sections 100–113: Cover offenses affecting life, including murder and culpable homicide.
- Sections 114–125: Relate to causing hurt and grievous hurt.
- Sections 126–136: Address wrongful restraint and wrongful confinement.
- Sections 137–146: Discuss kidnapping, abduction, slavery, and forced labor.
Chapter VII: Of Offenses Against the State (Sections 147–158)
- Sections 147–152: Pertaining to treason and acts endangering the sovereignty of the nation.
- Sections 153–158: Cover other offenses against the state, such as sedition.
Chapter VIII: Of Offenses Relating to the Armed Forces (Sections 159–168)
- Provisions concerning offenses related to the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Chapter IX: Of Offenses Relating to Elections (Sections 169–177)
- Provisions addressing electoral offenses, including bribery and personation.
Chapter X: Of Offenses Relating to Currency and Stamps (Sections 178–188)
- Offenses involving counterfeit currency, banknotes, and government stamps.
Chapter XI: Of Offenses Against Public Tranquility (Sections 189–197)
- Provisions related to unlawful assemblies, riots, and promoting enmity between groups.
Chapter XII: Of Offenses by or Relating to Public Servants (Sections 198–205)
- Offenses committed by public servants or related to their official duties.
Chapter XIII: Of Contempt of Lawful Authority of Public Servants (Sections 206–226)
- Disobedience and obstruction of public servants’ lawful authority.
Chapter XIV: Of False Evidence and Offenses Against Public Justice (Sections 227–269)
- Perjury, fabricating false evidence, and other offenses affecting public justice.
Chapter XV: Of Offenses Affecting Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency, and Morals (Sections 270–297)
- Acts endangering public health and safety, and offenses against decency and morals.
Chapter XVI: Of Offenses Relating to Religion (Sections 298–302)
- Offenses involving religion or religious sentiments.
Chapter XVII: Of Offenses Against Property (Sections 303–334)
- Sections 303–307: Theft.
- Section 308: Extortion.
- Sections 309–313: Robbery and dacoity.
- Sections 314–315: Criminal misappropriation of property.
- Section 316: Criminal breach of trust.
- Section 317: Receiving stolen property.
- Sections 318–319: Cheating.
- Sections 320–323: Fraudulent deeds and disposition of property.
- Sections 324–328: Mischief.
- Sections 329–334: Criminal trespass.
**Chapter XVIII: Of Offenses Relating
