Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Short title, commencement and application

This section defines the title, commencement, and territorial and extra-territorial jurisdiction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Definitions

This section provides definitions for key terms and expressions used throughout the Sanhita, establishing standard meanings for legal interpretation.

General explanations

This section contains general principles of interpretation, including the application of General Exceptions, joint liability for common intention, constructive possession, and cooperation in offences.

Punishments

This section lists the types of punishments that can be imposed on offenders under the Sanhita, which now includes community service.

Commutation of sentence

This section empowers the appropriate Government to commute an offender’s sentence without their consent in accordance with Section 474 of the BNSS.

Fractions of terms of punishment

This section specifies that for the purpose of calculating fractions of terms of punishment, life imprisonment is considered equivalent to 20 years.

Sentence may be (in certain cases of imprisonment) wholly or partly rigorous or simple

This section empowers the sentencing court to direct that an offender’s imprisonment shall be wholly rigorous, wholly simple, or partly rigorous and partly simple.

Amount of fine, imprisonment in default of payment of fine or community service, etc.

This section outlines rules regarding the amount of fines, default imprisonment for non-payment of fines or non-performance of community service, and limits on default sentences.

Limit of punishment of offence made up of several offences

This section limits the punishment for an offence made up of several parts (or falling under multiple definitions) to that of a single offence to prevent excessive sentencing.

Punishment of person guilty of one of several offences, the judgment stating that it is doubtful of which

This section mandates that if it is doubtful which of several offences an offender is guilty of, they must be punished for the offence carrying the lowest punishment.

Solitary confinement

This section defines the rules and limits for keeping a convicted offender in solitary confinement when they are sentenced to rigorous imprisonment.

Limit of solitary confinement

This section sets strict execution limits for solitary confinement, capping it at 14 days at a time (or 7 days per month for longer sentences) with equivalent breaks.

Enhanced punishment for certain offences after previous conviction

This section provides for enhanced punishment (life imprisonment or up to 10 years) for repeat offenders convicted of certain offences relating to coin, currency, or property.

Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law

This section protects persons from criminal liability for acts done under a good faith mistake of fact (not law) believing they are bound by law to do so.

Act of Judge when acting judicially

This section protects Judges from criminal liability for acts done while acting judicially in good faith under their legal authority.

Act done pursuant to the judgment or order of Court

This section protects persons executing court judgments or orders from criminal liability, even if the court lacked jurisdiction, provided they acted in good faith.

Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself justified, by law

This section protects persons from criminal liability for acts they are justified by law in doing, or which they believe in good faith (due to a mistake of fact) to be justified by law.

Accident in doing a lawful act

This section provides that an act done by accident or misfortune, without criminal intent, while performing a lawful act with proper care, is not an offence.

Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harm

This section defines the defence of necessity, protecting acts done without criminal intent to cause harm, but in good faith to prevent a greater harm to person or property.

Act of a child under seven years of age

This section establishes that a child under the age of seven years cannot be held criminally liable for any act.

Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding

This section protects children aged 7 to 12 from criminal liability if they lack the maturity of understanding to judge the nature and consequences of their conduct.

Act of a person of unsound mind

This section defines the insanity defence, protecting persons of unsound mind from criminal liability if they cannot understand the nature or wrongfulness of their act.

Act of a person incapable of judgment by reason of intoxication caused against his will

This section protects individuals from criminal liability for acts committed under involuntary intoxication if they were unable to understand the nature or wrongfulness of their actions.

Offence requiring a particular intent or knowledge committed by one who is intoxicated

This section presumes that a voluntarily intoxicated person possesses the same knowledge as a sober person for offences requiring specific intent or knowledge.

Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent

This section protects persons from criminal liability for causing harm (excluding death or grievous hurt) to adults who have consented to suffer or take the risk of that harm.

Act not intended to cause death, done by consent in good faith for person’s benefit

This section protects persons who perform acts in good faith for another person’s benefit with their consent, provided there is no intention to cause death.

Act done in good faith for benefit of child or person of unsound mind, by or by consent of guardian

This section excuses acts done in good faith for the benefit of children under 12 or persons of unsound mind with their guardian’s consent, subject to key restrictions.

Consent known to be given under fear or misconception

This section defines the conditions under which consent is considered invalid, such as when given under fear, misconception, unsoundness of mind, intoxication, or by a child under 12.

Exclusion of acts which are offences independently of harm caused

This section clarifies that consent defences do not apply to acts that are illegal in themselves, regardless of any harm caused to the consenting party.

Act done in good faith for benefit of a person without consent

This section excuses acts done in good faith for a person’s benefit without consent when obtaining consent is impossible due to an emergency or incapacity.

Communication made in good faith

This section protects individuals from criminal liability for any harm caused by a communication made in good faith for the recipient’s benefit.

Act to which a person is compelled by threats

This section defines the defence of duress, excusing acts done under threat of instant death, except for murder and capital offences against the State.

Act causing slight harm

This section establishes the de minimis rule, stating that acts causing extremely slight or trivial harm are not offences.

Things done in private defence

This section establishes the foundational rule that any act done in the exercise of the right of private defence is not an offence.

Right of private defence of the body and of property

This section grants every person the right to defend their own body, another’s body, and any property against specified offences, subject to restrictions in Section 37.

Right of private defence against the act of a person of unsound mind, etc.

This section confirms that the right of private defence exists against acts of persons who are exempt from liability due to youth, insanity, intoxication, or misconception.

Acts against which there is no right of private defence

This section defines the restrictions on the right of private defence, including acts of public servants, recourse to authorities, and the rule of proportional force.

When the right of private defence of the body extends to causing death

This section lists seven situations in which the right of private defence of the body extends to voluntarily causing death to the assailant.

When such right extends to causing any harm other than death

This section specifies that if the threat to the body does not fall under Section 38, the defender cannot cause death, but may cause other harm subject to Section 37.

Commencement and continuance of the right of private defence of the body

This section specifies that the right of private defence of the body starts as soon as a reasonable apprehension of danger arises and lasts as long as that apprehension continues.

When the right of private defence of property extends to causing death

This section lists four situations in which the right of private defence of property extends to voluntarily causing death to the wrongdoer.

When such right extends to causing any harm other than death

This section specifies that if the threat to property does not fall under Section 41, the defender cannot cause death, but may cause other harm subject to Section 37.

Commencement and continuance of the right of private defence of property

This section defines when the right of private defence of property starts and how long it continues for different property offences (theft, robbery, trespass, mischief, night house-breaking).

Right of private defence against deadly assault when there is risk of harm to innocent person

This section permits a person to run the risk of harming an innocent person while defending themselves against a deadly assault, if they have no other way to defend themselves.

Abetment of a thing

This section defines the offence of abetment, which consists of instigating, conspiring, or intentionally aiding the commission of an act.

Abettor

This section defines an abettor and provides five explanations detailing that the crime of abetment stands even if the act is not committed, or if the perpetrator is legally exempt.

Abetment in India of offences outside India

This section establishes that abetting an act outside India from within India is an offence if the act would be a crime inside India.

Abetment outside India for offence in India

This section establishes that abetting an act inside India from outside India is an offence under the Sanhita.

Punishment of abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment

This section provides that if the abetted act is committed and no specific punishment is prescribed for the abetment, the abettor receives the same punishment as the main offender.

Punishment of abetment if person abetted does act with different intention from that of abettor

This section provides that an abettor is punished based on their own intention or knowledge, even if the person they abetted executed the act with a different intention.

Liability of abettor when one act abetted and different act done

This section holds an abettor liable for a different act done than the one abetted, provided that act was a probable consequence of the abetment.

Abettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act done

This section makes the abettor liable to cumulative punishment for both the abetted act and any additional distinct act done, if the abettor knew it was likely to occur.

Liability of abettor for an effect caused by the act abetted different from that intended by the abettor

This section holds an abettor liable for the actual effect caused by the abetted act, if they knew the act was likely to cause that effect, even if they intended a different outcome.

Abettor present when offence is committed

This section states that an abettor who is present when the abetted offence is committed is legally deemed to have committed the offence themselves as a principal.

Abetment of offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life if offence be not committed

This section defines punishments for abetting an offence punishable by death or life imprisonment if the offence is not committed, including higher penalties if hurt is caused.

Abetment of offence punishable with imprisonment if offence be not committed

This section defines punishments for abetting an offence punishable by imprisonment if the offence is not committed, setting it at 1/4th of the maximum sentence (or 1/2 if a public servant is involved).

Abetting commission of offence by public or by more than ten persons

This section penalizes abetting the commission of an offence by the general public or by any group or class of persons exceeding ten.

Concealing design to commit offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life

This section punishes the concealment of a design to commit an offence punishable by death or life imprisonment, including concealment via encryption or information hiding tools.

Public servant concealing design to commit offence which it is his duty to prevent

This section penalizes public servants who conceal or misrepresent designs of offences they are duty-bound to prevent, using tools like encryption to facilitate the crime.

Concealing design to commit offence punishable with imprisonment

This section penalizes concealing the design of an offence punishable with imprisonment, prescribing up to 1/4 of the maximum term if committed, and up to 1/8 if not committed.

Criminal conspiracy

Defines and penalizes criminal conspiracy, which occurs when two or more persons agree to do an illegal act or a legal act by illegal means.

Attempts to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment

Defines general punishment for attempting offenses where no specific attempt penalty is provided. Specifies that attempts are punishable by up to half of the maximum term (including life) of the target offense, a fine, or both.

Rape

Defines the offense of rape, establishing the specific sexual acts (penetration or mouth contact) that constitute rape when committed under any of seven circumstances, including lack of consent, coercion, or underage victims.

Punishment for rape

Prescribes the punishment for rape, establishing a minimum of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment up to life imprisonment. It also lays down harsher punishments for rape committed under aggravated circumstances, such as by police officers or on pregnant women.

Punishment for rape in certain cases

Prescribes enhanced punishment for rape committed against girls under 16 years (minimum 20 years rigorous imprisonment up to life) and under 12 years (minimum 20 years rigorous imprisonment up to life, or death). Fines are paid directly to the victim.

Punishment for causing death or persistent vegetative state of victim

Prescribes punishment (minimum 20 years rigorous imprisonment up to life meaning remainder of natural life, or death) for causing death or a persistent vegetative state of a woman during the commission of rape.

Sexual intercourse by husband upon his wife during separation

Criminalizes non-consensual sexual intercourse by a husband with his wife while they are living separately. Prescribes imprisonment of 2 to 7 years and a fine.

Sexual intercourse by person in authority

Criminalizes the abuse of authority or fiduciary relationships by public servants, jail superintendents, or hospital managers to induce or seduce a woman into sexual intercourse (not amounting to rape). Punishable by 5 to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine.

Sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means, etc.

Criminalizes having sexual intercourse with a woman by employing deceitful means or by making a false promise to marry without any intention of fulfilling it. Punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine.

Gang rape

Prescribes the punishment for gang rape, establishing a minimum of 20 years rigorous imprisonment up to life (remainder of natural life). If the victim is under 18 years, the punishment is rigorous imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, or death.

Punishment for repeat offenders

Mandates severe punishment (imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, or death) for individuals who are subsequently convicted of rape or gang rape offences (under Sections 64, 65, 66, or 70) after a prior conviction under any of these sections.

Disclosure of identity of the victim of certain offences, etc.

Prohibits printing or publishing the name or any matter that could make known the identity of a victim of sexual offenses (Sections 64 to 71). Punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment and fine, with exceptions for police investigation and authorized consent.

Printing or publishing any matter relating to court proceedings without permission

Prohibits and penalizes printing or publishing any matter relating to court proceedings of sexual offenses (referred to in Section 72) without prior permission of the court. Judgments of High Courts or the Supreme Court are exempted.

Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty

Penalizes assault or use of criminal force to a woman with the intent or knowledge that it will outrage her modesty. Prescribes a minimum punishment of one year extending to five years, and a fine.

Sexual harassment

Defines and penalizes sexual harassment, categorizing it into physical contact, demands for sexual favors, showing pornography against a woman's will, or making sexually colored remarks. Punishable by up to three years of rigorous imprisonment for physical acts, or up to one year for verbal remarks.

Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe

Penalizes assault or use of criminal force to a woman, or abetment of such act, with the intention of disrobing or compelling her to be naked. Punishable by rigorous imprisonment of 3 to 7 years, along with a fine.

Voyeurism

Defines and penalizes voyeurism, which involves watching, capturing, or disseminating images of a woman engaging in a private act where she has an expectation of privacy. First conviction is bailable; subsequent convictions are non-bailable.

Stalking

Defines and penalizes stalking, which includes repeatedly following or contacting a disinterested woman or monitoring her electronic communications. First conviction is bailable; subsequent convictions are non-bailable.

Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman

Penalizes uttering words, making sounds or gestures, exhibiting objects, or intruding on privacy with the intent to insult the modesty of a woman. Punishable by simple imprisonment of up to three years, and a fine.

Dowry death

Defines and penalizes dowry death, which occurs when a woman dies under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage and is shown to have been subjected to cruelty or harassment over dowry demands soon before death. Punishable by seven years to life imprisonment.

Cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage

Penalizes a man who deceitfully leads a woman to believe she is lawfully married to him, inducing her to cohabit or have sexual intercourse in that belief. Punishable by up to ten years imprisonment and a fine.

Marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife

Penalizes bigamy, which is marrying again while having a living spouse when such marriage is void. It prescribes up to 7 years imprisonment or up to 10 years if the former marriage is concealed.

Marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage

Penalizes anyone who dishonestly or fraudulently goes through a marriage ceremony knowing they are not thereby lawfully married. Punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine.

Enticing or taking away or detaining with criminal intent a married woman

Penalizes enticing, taking away, concealing, or detaining a married woman with the intent that she may have illicit intercourse. Punishable by up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty

Penalizes a husband or his relatives who subject a married woman to cruelty. Punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and a fine.

Definition of cruelty

Defines cruelty for the purposes of Section 85, including willful conduct likely to drive a woman to suicide or cause grave injury, and harassment linked to unlawful dowry demands.

Kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc.

Punishes kidnapping, abducting, or compelling a woman with the intent to force her into marriage against her will or subject her to illicit intercourse.

Causing miscarriage

Criminalizes causing miscarriage voluntarily, unless done in good faith to save the woman's life. Provides higher punishment if the fetus is quick.

Causing miscarriage without woman's consent

Punishes the act of causing miscarriage without the pregnant woman's consent, regardless of the stage of pregnancy.

Death caused by act done with intent to cause miscarriage

Punishes acts done with the intent to cause miscarriage if they result in the death of the woman, with enhanced punishment if done without her consent.

Act done with intent to prevent child being born alive or to cause it to die after birth

Criminalizes acts done before a child's birth with the intent to prevent it from being born alive or to cause it to die after birth, unless done in good faith to save the mother's life.

Causing death of quick unborn child by act amounting to culpable homicide

Punishes causing the death of a quick unborn child by an act that would have amounted to culpable homicide if the mother had died.

Exposure and abandonment of child under twelve years, by parent or person having care of it

Punishes the exposure and abandonment of children under twelve years of age by parents or guardians with the intent to abandon them.

Concealment of birth by secret disposal of dead body

Criminalizes the intentional concealment or attempt to conceal the birth of a child by secretly burying or disposing of its dead body.

Hiring, employing or engaging child to commit offence

Punishes hiring, employing, or using a child to commit any offense (including sexual exploitation/pornography) with a minimum 3-year term, plus separate punishment if the offense is actually committed.

Procuration of child

Punishes anyone who induces a child (under 18) to go somewhere or do an act with the intent to force or seduce them into illicit intercourse.

Kidnapping or abducting child under ten years with intent to steal from its person

Punishes the kidnapping or abduction of a child under ten years old with the intent to steal ornaments, clothes, or other movable property from their person.

Selling child for purposes of prostitution, etc.

Punishes the sale, hire, or disposal of any child under 18 for prostitution, illicit intercourse, or any immoral/unlawful purpose.

Buying child for purposes of prostitution, etc.

Criminalizes buying, hiring, or obtaining possession of a child under 18 for prostitution, illicit intercourse, or other immoral/unlawful purposes, with a mandatory minimum of 7 years imprisonment.

Culpable homicide

Defines the offense of culpable homicide, which involves causing death with the intention of causing death, intention of causing fatal bodily injury, or knowledge that the act is likely to cause death.

Murder

Defines when culpable homicide amounts to murder, outlining four conditions for murder and five exceptions where it remains culpable homicide.

Culpable homicide by causing death of person other than person whose death was intended

Applies the doctrine of 'transferred malice', stating that if an offender accidentally kills a person other than the intended target, the offense remains as severe as if the intended person had died.

Punishment for murder

Provides the punishment for murder. Notably introduces specific punishments for mob lynching or concert killings by a group of five or more on discriminatory grounds.

Punishment for murder by life-convict

Prescribes the punishment for murder committed by a person who is already serving a life sentence, offering a choice of death or natural life imprisonment.

Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder

Prescribes punishments for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Distinguishes between acts done with intention (Part I, minimum 5 years) and those done only with knowledge (Part II, up to 10 years).

Causing death by negligence

Punishes causing death by rash or negligent acts. Sub-section (1) covers general negligence (up to 5 years) and medical negligence (up to 2 years), while sub-section (2) addresses hit-and-run driving cases (up to 10 years).

Abetment of suicide of child or person of unsound mind

Punishes the abetment of suicide of a child (under 18), insane, delirious, or intoxicated person with death, life imprisonment, or up to 10 years imprisonment.

Abetment of suicide

Punishes anyone who abets the commission of suicide by a person with up to ten years imprisonment and fine.

Attempt to murder

Punishes the attempt to commit murder, with harsher penalties including life imprisonment if hurt is caused to the victim, or death if committed by a life-convict.

Attempt to commit culpable homicide

Punishes the attempt to commit culpable homicide not amounting to murder, with enhanced punishment if hurt is caused to any person.

Organised crime

Introduces comprehensive provisions to define and penalize organised crime. Covers syndicates, continuous unlawful activities, hit-contracts, human/drug trafficking, and cyber-crimes with severe minimum sentences and fines.

Petty organised crime

Defines and penalizes petty organised crime committed by group or gang members, including theft, snatching, cheating, and ticket/paper scalping.

Terrorist act

Defines terrorist acts threatening India's integrity, sovereignty, security, or economy, and details penalties including death or life imprisonment.

Hurt

Defines 'hurt' as causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.

Voluntarily causing hurt

Defines 'voluntarily causing hurt' and establishes a penalty of up to 1 year of imprisonment, a fine up to 10,000 rupees, or both.

Grievous hurt

Defines 'grievous hurt' by specifying eight distinct types of severe physical injuries, including emasculation, permanent sensory loss, fractures, and injuries causing severe pain for at least 15 days.

Voluntarily causing grievous hurt

Defines and penalizes voluntarily causing grievous hurt (up to 7 years + fine), with severe penalties (10 years to life) for causing permanent disability or vegetative state, and covers group assaults.

Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means

Establishes penalties for voluntarily causing simple hurt (up to 3 years or fine up to Rs. 20,000) or grievous hurt (life imprisonment or 1 to 10 years and fine) using dangerous weapons, fire, poison, explosives, or animals.

Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act

Imposes penalties for causing hurt (up to 10 years and fine) or grievous hurt (life imprisonment or up to 10 years and fine) to extort property or force someone into committing an illegal act.

Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property

Prescribes punishments for causing hurt (up to 7 years and fine) or grievous hurt (up to 10 years and fine) to extort a confession/information or to force the restoration of property.

Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty

Defines penalties for causing simple hurt (up to 5 years, fine, or both) or grievous hurt (1 to 10 years and fine) to a public servant to prevent or deter them from discharging their official duty.

Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt on provocation

Prescribes lesser penalties for causing hurt (up to 1 month or fine up to Rs. 5,000) or grievous hurt (up to 5 years or fine up to Rs. 10,000) on grave and sudden provocation.

Causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence

Prescribes a punishment of up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine for administering poison, intoxicating, or stupefying drugs to cause hurt, or to facilitate an offense.

Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc.

Defines penalties for voluntarily causing grievous hurt or permanent vegetative state using acid (10 years to life imprisonment and medical fine paid to the victim), and for attempts (5 to 7 years imprisonment and fine).

Act endangering life or personal safety of others

Imposes punishments for rash or negligent acts that endanger human life or personal safety, with enhanced penalties if hurt (up to 6 months) or grievous hurt (up to 3 years) is caused.

Wrongful restraint

Defines wrongful restraint as voluntarily obstructing a person from moving in a direction they have a right to proceed, and penalizes it with simple imprisonment up to 1 month, a fine up to Rs. 5,000, or both.

Wrongful confinement

Defines wrongful confinement (restraining someone within circumscribed limits) and establishes punishments for simple confinement (up to 1 year) and aggravated forms based on duration, writs, secrecy, extortion, or confession coercion.

Force

Defines 'force' as causing motion, change of motion, or cessation of motion in another person, directly or through substances or animals.

Criminal force

Defines 'criminal force' as the intentional use of force to another without their consent, either to commit an offense or to cause injury, fear, or annoyance, and details various illustrative scenarios.

Assault

Defines 'assault' as making gestures or preparations that create an apprehension of imminent criminal force, specifying that words alone do not qualify but can give context to gestures.

Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation

Prescribes punishment of up to three months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to one thousand rupees for committing assault or using criminal force without grave and sudden provocation.

Assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person, otherwise than on grave provocation

Punishes anyone who assaults or uses criminal force against a person with intent to dishonor them, unless provoked gravely and suddenly.

Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person

Punishes using assault or criminal force while attempting to steal property that a person is wearing or carrying (such as chain snatching or purse snatching).

Assault or criminal force in attempt to wrongfully confine a person

Prescribes punishment of up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to one thousand rupees for assaulting or using criminal force in an attempt to wrongfully confine someone.

Assault or criminal force on grave provocation

Prescribes lighter punishment of up to one month simple imprisonment and/or a fine of up to one thousand rupees for assault or criminal force committed under grave and sudden provocation.

Kidnapping

Defines kidnapping (from India or lawful guardianship) and prescribes a punishment of up to seven years imprisonment plus fine, unifying the age of children to under 18 years for both genders.

Abduction

Defines abduction as compelling a person by force or inducing them by deceitful means to leave any place.

Kidnapping or maiming a child for purposes of begging

Imposes severe punishments (minimum 10 years rigorous imprisonment for kidnapping/custody, and minimum 20 years to life for maiming) on persons exploiting children (under 18) for begging.

Kidnapping or abducting in order to murder or for ransom, etc.

Consolidates multiple aggravated kidnapping/abduction offences, including kidnapping/abduction to murder (up to life imprisonment), for ransom (death or life imprisonment), for secret confinement (up to 7 years), and for grievous hurt or slavery (up to 10 years).

Importation of girl or boy from foreign country

Criminalizes the importation of any girl under 21 years or any boy under 18 years from a foreign country with the intent or knowledge that they will be forced or seduced into illicit sexual intercourse.

Wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement, kidnapped or abducted person

Imposes the same punishment as the original kidnapping or abduction on anyone who, knowing a person has been kidnapped or abducted, wrongfully conceals or confines them.

Trafficking of person

Defines the offence of trafficking for exploitation (physical, sexual, slavery, servitude, begging, organ removal) and prescribes severe punishments, including life imprisonment for trafficking multiple children, repeat offences against children, or involvement of public servants/police.

Exploitation of a trafficked person

Punishes anyone who knowingly or with reason to believe a person has been trafficked engages such child (5-10 years imprisonment) or adult (3-7 years imprisonment) for sexual exploitation.

Habitual dealing in slaves

Imposes life imprisonment or up to ten years imprisonment plus fine for habitually importing, exporting, removing, buying, selling, trafficking, or dealing in slaves.

Unlawful compulsory labour

Criminalizes forcing or compelling any person to perform labour against their will, prescribing up to one year imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Conspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 147

Criminalizes conspiring (within or outside India) to commit waging of war against the Government (under Section 147) or conspiring to intimidate the Central or State Governments via criminal force, prescribing life imprisonment or up to ten years imprisonment plus fine.

Collecting arms, etc., with intention of waging war against Government of India

Punishes collecting men, arms, ammunition, or making other preparations with the intent of waging war or being prepared to wage war against the Government of India.

Concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war

Criminalizes concealing a design to wage war against the Government of India, either by an act or an illegal omission, with the intent to facilitate such war, prescribing up to ten years imprisonment and fine.

Acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India

Criminalizes acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India (such as exciting secession, armed rebellion, subversive/separatist activities), including via electronic communication or financial means, prescribing life imprisonment or up to seven years imprisonment plus fine.

Waging war against Government of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India

Criminalizes waging war, attempting to wage war, or abetting war against any foreign State that is at peace with India, prescribing life imprisonment, up to seven years imprisonment, or a fine.

Committing depredation on territories of foreign State at peace with Government of India

Criminalizes committing or preparing to commit depredation (plundering/looting) in territories of any foreign State at peace with India, prescribing up to seven years imprisonment, a fine, and forfeiture of property used/acquired.

Receiving property taken by war or depredation mentioned in sections 153 and 154

Penalizes knowingly receiving property taken during war or depredation against foreign states at peace with India.

Public servant voluntarily allowing prisoner of State or war to escape

Penalizes a public servant who has custody of a State prisoner or prisoner of war and intentionally allows them to escape.

Public servant negligently suffering prisoner of State or war to escape

Penalizes a public servant who has custody of a State prisoner or prisoner of war and negligently allows them to escape.

Aiding escape of, rescuing or harbouring such prisoner

Penalizes any person who knowingly assists, rescues, harbours, or resists the recapture of a State prisoner or prisoner of war.

Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty

Penalizes abetting mutiny by defense personnel or attempting to seduce them from their allegiance or duty.

Abetment of mutiny, if mutiny is committed in consequence thereof

Penalizes the abetment of mutiny in the armed forces if mutiny actually takes place as a result of that abetment.

Abetment of assault by soldier, sailor or airman on his superior officer, when in execution of his office

Penalizes the abetment of an assault on a military superior officer who is in the execution of their official duty.

Abetment of such assault, if the assault is committed

Penalizes the abetment of assault on a superior officer if the assault is actually carried out in consequence of the abetment.

Abetment of desertion of soldier, sailor or airman

Penalizes abetting the desertion of any officer, soldier, sailor, or airman in the Indian Armed Forces.

Harbouring deserter

This section punishes harbouring a deserter of the Indian Armed Forces with up to two years of imprisonment, fine, or both, with an exception for the spouse.

Deserter concealed on board merchant vessel through negligence of master

This section imposes a penalty of up to 3,000 rupees on the master of a merchant vessel if a deserter from the Indian Armed Forces is concealed on board due to their negligence or lack of discipline.

Abetment of act of insubordination by soldier, sailor or airman

This section punishes the abetment of insubordination in the Indian Armed Forces with up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both, provided the act of insubordination is committed.

Persons subject to certain Acts not liable to punishment under this Sanhita

Exempts personnel governed by military laws (Army, Navy, and Air Force Acts) from liability under this Chapter of the BNS.

Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman

Punishes wearing the uniform or carrying tokens of the Indian Armed Forces by non-personnel with the intent to impersonate them, with up to three months of imprisonment, a fine up to 2,000 rupees, or both.

"Candidate" and "Electoral right" defined

Provides definitions for "candidate" (nominated individual) and "electoral right" (right to vote, refrain, contest, or withdraw candidacy) for election-related offenses.

Bribery

Defines the offence of bribery in elections as giving or accepting gratification to induce or reward the exercise of electoral rights, excluding public policy promises.

Undue influence at elections

Defines undue influence at elections as voluntarily interfering with electoral rights, such as using threats of injury or spiritual censure, while protecting public policy declarations.

Personation at elections

Defines personation at elections as voting in the name of another, under a fictitious name, or voting twice in the same election, with an exception for authorized proxy voting.

Punishment for bribery

Prescribes punishment for electoral bribery (imprisonment up to one year, fine, or both) and mandates that bribery by treating (food, drinks) is punishable by fine only.

Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election

Prescribes punishment for undue influence or impersonation at an election with up to one year of imprisonment, fine, or both.

False statement in connection with an election

Punishes the publishing of false statements regarding a candidate's personal character or conduct, intended to affect election outcomes, with a fine.

Illegal payments in connection with an election

Prohibits incurring or authorizing expenses for promoting a candidate's election without their written authority, subject to a fine up to 10,000 rupees.

Failure to keep election accounts

Punishes the failure of candidate or agents to maintain accounts of election expenditures as required by law, with a fine of up to 5,000 rupees.

Counterfeiting coin, government stamp, currency-note or bank-note

Punishes counterfeiting coins, government stamps, currency-notes, or bank-notes with life imprisonment or up to ten years in prison, along with a fine.

Trafficking in forged or counterfeit coin, stamp, currency-note or bank-note

Punishes importing, exporting, selling, buying, receiving, trafficking, or using counterfeit coins, stamps, or banknotes with life imprisonment or up to ten years in prison, and a fine.

Possession of forged or counterfeit coin, stamp, currency-note or bank-note

Punishes the possession of forged or counterfeit coins, stamps, currency-notes, or bank-notes with intent to use them as genuine, with up to seven years in prison, fine, or both. Excludes possession from a proven lawful source.

Making or possessing instruments or materials for counterfeiting

Punishes the making, possessing, buying, selling, or disposing of counterfeiting instruments or materials with life imprisonment or up to ten years in prison, and a fine.

Making or using documents resembling currency-notes or bank-notes

Prohibits making, using, or delivering documents resembling banknotes (fine up to 300 rupees), and penalizes refusing to disclose the printer's information to police (fine up to 600 rupees).

Effacing writing from substance bearing Government stamp, or removing from document a stamp used for it, with intent to cause loss to Government

Punishes effacing writing from a government-stamped substance or removing a used stamp to reuse it, with intent to cause government revenue loss, with up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Using Government stamp known to have been before used

Punishes the reuse of a government revenue stamp with knowledge of its prior use and intent to cause loss to the government, with up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Erasure of mark denoting that stamp has been used

Punishes erasing cancellation marks from used government revenue stamps, possessing or selling such stamps, or selling known used stamps, with up to three years in prison, fine, or both.

Prohibition of fictitious stamps

Prohibits making, selling, using, or possessing fictitious postage stamps or manufacturing materials, carrying a fine of up to 200 rupees and forfeiture of materials.

Person employed in mint causing coin to be of different weight or composition from that fixed by law

Punishes employees in lawfully established Indian mints who intentionally cause coins to be made of incorrect weight or composition, with up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine.

Taking coining tool from mint

Prohibits removing coining tools or machinery from any lawfully established mint in India without written or lawful authority, carrying up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine.

Unlawful assembly

Defines unlawful assembly (5+ persons with common illegal object) and consolidates multiple related offences and punishments (membership, weapons, dispersal refusal, hiring, harbouring) with up to 6 months to 2 years of prison and/or fine.

Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object

Establishes constructive (vicarious) liability, holding every member of an unlawful assembly guilty of any offense committed by any member in prosecution of their common object.

Rioting

Defines and penalizes rioting (use of force/violence by an unlawful assembly) with up to 2 years of imprisonment (standard) or up to 5 years (if armed with deadly weapons), and a fine.

Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot

Punishes giving illegal provocations to cause riots. If a riot occurs, the penalty is up to 1 year of imprisonment, fine, or both; if no riot occurs, the penalty is up to 6 months of imprisonment, fine, or both.

Liability of owner or occupier of land on which an unlawful assembly or riot takes place

Imposes fine liability on landowners, occupiers, or their agents if they fail to prevent, report, or disperse unlawful assemblies or riots occurring on their land or for their benefit.

Affray

Defines and punishes affray (fighting in a public place disturbing public peace) with up to one month of imprisonment, a fine of up to 1,000 rupees, or both.

Assaulting or obstructing public servant when suppressing riot, etc.

Punishes assaulting or obstructing a public servant dispersing an unlawful assembly or suppressing a riot (up to 3 years and minimum fine of 25,000 rupees), and penalizes threats or attempts to do so (up to 1 year and fine).

Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony

Punishes promoting enmity between groups on religious, racial, or regional grounds (up to 3 years and/or fine), with enhanced punishment (up to 5 years and fine) if committed in a place of worship.

Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration

Punishes imputations and assertions that hurt national integration (up to 3 years and/or fine), with an added subclause for false/misleading information that jeopardizes the sovereignty and integrity of India.

Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person

Punishes a public servant who knowingly disobeys legal directions to cause injury to any person, with up to one year of simple imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Public servant disobeying direction under law

Punishes public servants who disobey legal investigation procedures or fail to record information (FIR) for specified serious crimes (like rape or trafficking) with rigorous imprisonment from 6 months up to 2 years, and a fine.

Punishment for non-treatment of victim

Punishes the failure or refusal of hospitals (public or private) to provide immediate free medical treatment/first aid to victims of acid attacks or rape in violation of BNSS 397, with up to one year in prison, a fine, or both.

Public servant framing an incorrect document or electronic record with intent to cause injury

Punishes public servants charged with preparing/translating documents or electronic records who knowingly do so incorrectly with the intent to cause injury, with up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Public servant unlawfully engaging in trade

Punishes a public servant who unlawfully engages in trade despite being legally bound not to do so, with up to one year of simple imprisonment, fine, both, or community service.

Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property

Punishes a public servant who unlawfully buys or bids for property despite being legally prohibited from doing so, with up to two years of simple imprisonment, fine, or both, and confiscation of the property.

Personating a public servant

Punishes pretending to be a public servant and performing/attempting any act under that assumed authority, with rigorous or simple imprisonment from six months up to three years, and a fine.

Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent

Punishes wearing the garb or carrying tokens resembling those of a class of public servants to create the belief that one belongs to that class, with up to three months of imprisonment, a fine up to 5,000 rupees, or both.

Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding

Punishes absconding to evade the service of a summons or order (up to 1 month and/or 5,000 rupees fine), with increased punishment if the summons involves court appearance or document production (up to 6 months and/or 10,000 rupees fine).

Preventing service of summons or other proceeding, or preventing publication thereof

Punishes intentionally preventing the service, publication, or affixing of a summons or order (up to 1 month and/or 5,000 rupees fine), with harsher penalties if the order involves court attendance or document/electronic record production (up to 6 months and/or 10,000 rupees fine).

Non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant

This section penalizes the intentional omission to attend or early departure from a place where a person is legally bound to attend in obedience to a summons, notice, or order from a public servant.

Non-appearance in response to a proclamation under section 84 of BNSS, 2023

This section penalizes the failure to appear at the specified place and time required by an absconding proclamation, with enhanced punishment if declared a proclaimed offender.

Omission to produce document or electronic record to public servant by person legally bound to produce it

This section penalizes the intentional failure to produce or deliver a document or electronic record to a public servant or a Court by someone legally obligated to do so.

Omission to give notice or information to public servant by person legally bound to give it

This section penalizes the intentional failure to provide a required notice or information to a public servant, with higher penalties if it relates to a crime or is mandated under BNSS Section 394.

Furnishing false information

This section penalizes anyone legally bound to furnish information to a public servant who knowingly provides false information, with enhanced penalty if it relates to a crime.

Refusing oath or affirmation when duly required by public servant to make it

This section penalizes the refusal to take an oath or affirmation to speak the truth when legally required by a competent public servant.

Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question

This section penalizes the refusal to answer questions related to a subject on which a person is legally bound to tell the truth to a public servant.

Refusing to sign statement

This section penalizes the refusal to sign a statement made by a person when legally required by a competent public servant.

False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorised to administer an oath or affirmation

This section penalizes the making of a false statement under oath or affirmation to an authorized public servant or person.

False information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person

This section penalizes giving false information to a public servant with the intent to cause them to act improperly or use their authority to injure or annoy someone.

Resisting the taking of property by the lawful authority of a public servant

This section penalizes anyone who resists the lawful seizure or taking of property by a public servant, knowing the person is a public servant.

Obstructing sale of property offered for sale by authority of public servant

This section penalizes anyone who intentionally obstructs the sale of property being conducted under the lawful authority of a public servant.

Illegal purchase or bid for property offered for sale by authority of public servant

This section penalizes illegal bidding or purchasing of property at a public auction conducted by a public servant, either on behalf of a legally disqualified person or without intent to pay.

Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions

This section penalizes the voluntary obstruction of any public servant in the discharge of their official public functions.

Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance

This section penalizes the intentional omission to provide assistance to a public servant when legally bound to do so, with enhanced penalties during crises like riots or arrests.

Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant

This section penalizes the disobedience of a lawful order promulgated by a public servant, particularly when it causes obstruction, injury, danger to life, or riots.

Threat of injury to public servant

This section penalizes anyone threatening injury to a public servant or a person they are interested in, to force them to act, refrain, or delay in performing public duties.

Threat of injury to induce person to refrain from applying for protection to public servant

This section penalizes threatening any person to prevent them from seeking legal protection from a competent public servant.

Attempt to commit suicide to compel or restrain exercise of lawful power

This section penalizes attempting suicide with the specific intent to coerce, compel, or restrain a public servant from performing their official duties.

Giving false evidence

This section defines the offence of giving false evidence, which occurs when a person legally bound to state the truth knowingly makes a false statement.

Fabricating false evidence

This section defines the offence of fabricating false evidence, which involves creating circumstances or false entries to mislead a person forming an opinion in a legal proceeding.

Punishment for false evidence

This section prescribes the punishment for giving or fabricating false evidence, distinguishing between judicial proceedings (up to 7 years) and other cases (up to 3 years).

Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of capital offence

This section penalizes giving or fabricating false evidence with the intent to cause someone to be convicted of a capital offence, offering death penalty if an innocent person is executed as a result.

Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of offence punishable with imprisonment for life or imprisonment

This section rules that anyone giving or fabricating false evidence to wrongly convict someone of a non-capital offence punishable by 7+ years or life imprisonment will receive the exact same punishment as that offence carries.

Threatening any person to give false evidence

Threatening someone with injury to their person, reputation, or property to force them to give false evidence is punishable by up to 7 years of imprisonment, fine, or both. If an innocent person is convicted of a major offence or death as a result, the threatener receives the same punishment.

Using evidence known to be false

Using or attempting to use evidence that one knows to be false or fabricated, as if it were true and genuine, is punished in the same manner as actually giving or fabricating false evidence.

Issuing or signing false certificate

Issuing or signing a legally required certificate or one admissible as evidence, knowing or believing it to be false in any material point, is punished in the same manner as giving false evidence.

Using as true a certificate known to be false

Penalizes the corrupt use or attempted use of a certificate as genuine when the person knows it contains false material details. The offender is punished in the same manner as for giving false evidence.

False statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence

Penalizes making a false statement in any declaration that is legally receivable as evidence, knowing it to be false. The punishment is equivalent to that for giving false evidence.

Using as true any declaration known to be false

Penalizes the corrupt use or attempted use of a false declaration as genuine, knowing it is false in any material point. The offender faces the same punishment as for giving false evidence.

Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender

Punishes the destruction of evidence or providing false information about a crime to protect an offender from legal punishment. The penalty scales based on the severity of the primary offense being screened.

Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform

Penalizes the intentional failure to report an offense by someone who has a legal obligation to do so. It is punishable by up to six months of imprisonment, a fine up to five thousand rupees, or both.

Giving false information respecting an offence committed

Penalizes giving false information about a crime to the police or authorities, knowing it is false, with up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both. Includes acts committed outside India for specified serious offenses.

Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence

Penalizes secreting, destroying, obliterating, or rendering illegible any document or electronic record to prevent its use as evidence in court or before a public servant. Punishable by up to three years of imprisonment, a fine up to five thousand rupees, or both.

False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution

Penalizes falsely impersonating someone else in a court proceeding (suit or criminal prosecution) to make statements, confess judgment, provide bail/security, or perform any other legal act. Punishable by up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution

Penalizes the fraudulent removal, concealment, or transfer of property to prevent its seizure for forfeiture, fine recovery, or execution of a civil decree. Punishable by up to three years of imprisonment, a fine up to five thousand rupees, or both.

Fraudulent claim to property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution

Penalizes fraudulently accepting, receiving, or claiming property, or practicing deception over property rights, to prevent it from being seized for forfeiture, fines, or execution of a civil decree. Punishable by up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Fraudulently suffering decree for sum not due

Penalizes fraudulently causing or suffering a court decree or order to be passed for a sum not due, or executing a decree after it has been satisfied, to defraud creditors. Punishable by up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Dishonestly making false claim in Court

Penalizes making a false claim in a court of law with fraudulent, dishonest, or malicious intent (to cause injury or annoyance) knowing it to be false. Punishable by up to two years of imprisonment and a fine.

Fraudulently obtaining decree for sum not due

Penalizes fraudulently obtaining a court decree or order for an amount not due, or executing a decree after it has been satisfied, against another person. Punishable by up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

False charge of offence made with intent to injure

Penalizes instituting false criminal proceedings or making false charges to injure someone, knowing there is no lawful ground. Punishable by up to five years imprisonment/fine up to two lakh rupees, or up to ten years imprisonment if the false charge is for a major crime.

Harbouring offender

Penalizes harbouring or concealing an offender with the intent to screen them from legal punishment. The penalty scales based on the severity of the offense committed. Spouses are exempted.

Taking gift, etc., to screen an offender from punishment

Penalizes accepting or attempting to obtain any gratification or restitution of property in exchange for concealing an offense, screening an offender, or not initiating legal proceedings. The punishment scales based on the severity of the crime being screened.

Offering gift or restoration of property in consideration of screening offender

Penalizes giving, offering, or agreeing to give any gratification or restoration of property to another person in consideration of concealing an offense, screening an offender, or not initiating legal proceedings. The punishment scales with the severity of the crime. Excludes lawfully compoundable offenses.

Taking gratification to help to recover stolen property, etc.

Penalizes taking reward or gratification on the pretext of helping someone recover stolen or illegally deprived movable property, unless the person uses all efforts to get the offender arrested and convicted. Punishable by up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Harbouring offender who has escaped from custody or whose apprehension has been ordered

Penalizes harbouring or concealing an escaped convict or a person ordered to be arrested by a public servant. The punishment is structured based on the severity of the offense. Spouses are exempted.

Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits

Penalizes harbouring or concealing persons who are about to commit or have recently committed robbery or dacoity to facilitate the crime or screen them from punishment. Punishable by up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine. Spouses are exempted.

Public servant disobeying direction of law with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture

Penalizes a public servant who knowingly disobeys legal directions to save someone from punishment, reduce their penalty, or protect property from forfeiture. Punishable by up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Public servant framing incorrect record or writing with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture

Penalizes a public servant charged with preparing records who deliberately frames them incorrectly to cause injury, screen an offender, or protect property from forfeiture. Punishable by up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Public servant in judicial proceeding corruptly making report, etc., contrary to law

Penalizes a public servant who corruptly or maliciously makes or pronounces an order, report, verdict, or decision in a judicial proceeding knowing it is contrary to law. Punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Commitment for trial or confinement by person having authority who knows that he is acting contrary to law

Penalizes an authorized public officer who corruptly or maliciously commits someone to trial/confinement, or keeps them in confinement, knowing they are acting contrary to law. Punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Intentional omission to apprehend on the part of public servant bound to apprehend

Penalizes a public servant who, being legally bound to apprehend or confine a person charged with or liable to be apprehended for an offence, intentionally fails to do so, lets them escape, or aids their escape. The punishment scales with the severity of the offense.

Intentional omission to apprehend on the part of public servant bound to apprehend person under sentence or lawfully committed

Penalizes a public servant who, legally bound to confine or apprehend a person under court sentence or in lawful custody, intentionally omits to do so, lets them escape, or aids their escape. The punishment scales with the fugitive's sentence.

Public servant negligently suffering prisoner to escape

Punishes any public servant who negligently allows a person charged with or convicted of an offense, or lawfully committed to custody, to escape from confinement.

Resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension

Punishes any person who intentionally resists arrest, obstructs their lawful apprehension, or escapes/attempts to escape from lawful custody.

Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension of another person

Punishes anyone who intentionally resists or obstructs the lawful arrest of another person, or rescues/attempts to rescue them from custody, with graded penalties based on the severity of the original offense.

Omission to apprehend, or sufferance of escape, on part of public servant, in cases not otherwise provided for

Punishes a public servant legally bound to apprehend or confine someone who intentionally (up to 3 years) or negligently (up to 2 years) fails to do so, where no other law specifically provides for it.

Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension, or escape or rescue in cases not otherwise provided for

Punishes any person who intentionally resists arrest, escapes custody, or rescues someone else from custody, in cases not covered by Sections 262 or 263, or any other law.

Violation of condition of remission of punishment

Punishes individuals who accept conditional remission of their sentence and knowingly violate its terms, requiring them to serve either the full original sentence or the remaining portion of it.

Intentional insult or interruption to public servant sitting in judicial proceeding

Punishes anyone who intentionally insults or interrupts a public servant (such as a judge or magistrate) during a judicial proceeding.

Personation of an assessor

Punishes anyone who fraudulently personates or falsely represents themselves to serve as an assessor in a court case, knowing they are not legally entitled to do so.

Failure by person released on bail or bond to appear in Court

Punishes anyone who is released on bail or bond and fails to appear in court as required without sufficient cause.

Public nuisance

Defines 'public nuisance' as any act or illegal omission causing common injury, danger, or annoyance to the general public or people in the vicinity.

Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life

Punishes anyone who unlawfully or negligently performs an act that they know or have reason to believe is likely to spread a life-threatening infection.

Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life

Punishes anyone who malignantly (with ill-will or deliberate harmful intent) does an act likely to spread a life-threatening infection.

Disobedience to quarantine rule

Punishes anyone who knowingly violates government-mandated quarantine regulations for transport or travel restrictions between infected and other areas.

Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale

Punishes anyone who adulterates any food or drink to make it harmful/noxious, with the intent or knowledge that it will be sold for consumption.

Sale of noxious food or drink

Punishes the sale, offer, or exposure for sale of food or drink that is noxious or unfit for consumption, with knowledge of its condition.

Adulteration of drugs

Punishes anyone who adulterates a drug or medical preparation to reduce its efficacy, alter its function, or make it noxious, with the intent or knowledge that it will be sold or used for medicinal purposes.

Sale of adulterated drugs

Punishes anyone who knowingly sells, offers for sale, issues from a dispensary, or causes someone to use an adulterated drug as if it were unadulterated.

Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation

Punishes anyone who knowingly sells, offers for sale, or dispenses a drug or medical preparation while falsely representing it as a different drug or preparation.

Making atmosphere noxious to health

Punishes anyone who voluntarily pollutes or contaminates the atmosphere in any place, making it harmful to the health of people in the vicinity or public paths.

Rash driving or riding on a public way

Punishes anyone driving or riding on a public road in a rash or negligent manner that endangers human life or is likely to cause hurt to others.

Rash navigation of vessel

Punishes anyone who operates a vessel on water in a rash or negligent manner that endangers human life or is likely to cause hurt to others.

Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy

Punishes anyone who intentionally or knowingly displays a false light, mark, or buoy to mislead any navigator, with up to 7 years in prison and a mandatory fine of at least 10,000 rupees.

Conveying person by water for hire in unsafe or overloaded vessel

Punishes anyone who knowingly or negligently transports a person by water for hire in an overloaded or unsafe vessel, endangering their life.

Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation

Punishes anyone who causes danger, obstruction, or injury on a public way or line of navigation through their actions or neglect of their property.

Negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance

Punishes rash or negligent conduct with poisonous substances, or failure to properly secure such substances, endangering human life.

Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter

Punishes rash or negligent acts involving fire or combustible materials, or failure to properly secure them, endangering human life.

Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance

Punishes rash or negligent acts involving explosive substances, or failure to properly secure such substances, endangering human life.

Negligent conduct with respect to machinery

Deals with rash or negligent conduct in handling machinery or failing to take adequate precautions to guard against danger from machinery under one's care.

Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down, repairing or constructing buildings

Deals with rash or negligent conduct during the pulling down, construction, or repair of a building without taking adequate safety measures to prevent the building or its parts from falling and endangering human life.

Negligent conduct with respect to animal

Imposes liability on animal owners or keepers who fail to take adequate precautions to prevent their animals from causing danger to human life or causing grievous hurt.

Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for

Serves as a general residual provision prescribing a fine of up to one thousand rupees for any public nuisance that is not explicitly covered or punished under other sections of the Sanhita.

Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue

Prescribes punishment for anyone who continues or repeats a public nuisance after being legally ordered (enjoined) by an authorized public servant to stop.

Sale, etc., of obscene books, etc.

Prohibits the sale, hire, distribution, exhibition, circulation, import, or export of obscene materials (including electronic content), with exceptions for public good, literature, art, or religious purposes.

Sale, etc., of obscene objects to child

Imposes enhanced penalties for selling, hiring, distributing, exhibiting, circulating, or attempting to circulate obscene objects (as defined in section 294) to any minor under eighteen years of age.

Obscene acts and songs

Criminalizes doing any obscene act or singing, reciting, or uttering obscene songs/words in or near a public place if it causes annoyance to others.

Keeping lottery office

Prohibits keeping an office or place for unauthorized or non-State lotteries, and criminalizes publishing proposals related to results/tickets of such lotteries.

Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class

Criminalizes the intentional or knowing destruction, damage, or defilement of a place of worship or any sacred object with the purpose of insulting a religion or offending its followers.

Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs

Punishes deliberate and malicious acts (including speech, writing, gestures, and electronic posts) that insult or attempt to insult the religion or religious beliefs of any class of citizens of India with the intention to outrage their religious feelings.

Disturbing religious assembly

Provides punishment for voluntarily causing disturbance to any lawful assembly engaged in religious worship or religious ceremonies.

Trespassing on burial places, etc.

Prescribes punishment for trespassing on places of worship, cemeteries, or funeral grounds, offering indignity to a corpse, or disturbing funeral ceremonies with intent to wound feelings or insult religion.

Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings of any person

Prohibits uttering words, making sounds, gesturing, or placing objects in the sight/hearing of any person with the deliberate intent of wounding their religious feelings.

Theft

Defines theft as dishonestly taking movable property out of a person's possession without consent, and details punishments including community service for first-time petty theft under ₹5,000 upon restoration.

Snatching

Defines snatching as a specific form of theft where movable property is suddenly, quickly, or forcibly seized or taken from a person's possession, carrying up to 3 years imprisonment and fine.

Theft in dwelling house, means of transportation, place of worship, etc.

Prescribes enhanced punishment of up to 7 years imprisonment and fine for theft committed in dwelling places, of or from passenger/goods vehicles, of temple idols, or of Government/local authority property.

Theft by clerk or servant of property in possession of master

Prescribes a punishment of up to 7 years imprisonment and fine for theft of an employer's property committed by a clerk or servant.

Theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt or restraint in order to the committing of the theft

Prescribes up to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and fine for committing theft after making preparations to cause death, hurt, restraint, or fear thereof, either to commit the theft, escape, or retain stolen property.

Extortion

Defines extortion as intentionally putting a person in fear of injury to deliver property or valuable security, and consolidates various grades of extortion penalties up to 10 years.

Robbery

Defines robbery as an aggravated form of theft or extortion involving force, hurt, or fear of instant death/hurt, and prescribes punishments ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.

Dacoity

Defines dacoity as robbery committed or attempted by five or more persons, and prescribes severe punishments up to death penalty or life imprisonment for associated crimes.

Robbery or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt

Mandates a minimum punishment of seven years imprisonment if the offender uses a deadly weapon, causes grievous hurt, or attempts to cause death or grievous hurt during robbery or dacoity.

Attempt to commit robbery or dacoity when armed with deadly weapon

Mandates a minimum punishment of seven years imprisonment for attempting to commit robbery or dacoity while armed with any deadly weapon.

Belonging to gang of thieves

Imposes up to 7 years rigorous imprisonment and fine for belonging to any gang of persons habitually committing theft or robbery (excluding dacoit gangs).

Dishonest misappropriation of property

Defines and punishes criminal misappropriation of movable property for personal use, prescribing a mandatory minimum sentence of six months up to two years and fine.

Dishonest misappropriation of property possessed by deceased person at the time of his death

Punishes the dishonest misappropriation of a deceased person's property before it reaches the possession of those legally entitled, with enhanced punishment if the offender was a clerk or servant.

Criminal breach of trust

Defines and punishes criminal breach of trust, increasing the general punishment from three to five years, and detailing aggravated penalties for carriers, clerks, and public servants.

Stolen property

Defines stolen property and prescribes punishments for dishonestly receiving, retaining, habitually dealing in, or assisting in the concealment of stolen goods.

Cheating

Defines cheating and prescribes graded punishments, including up to seven years imprisonment for cheating that induces delivery of property or valuable securities.

Cheating by personation

Defines cheating by personation as pretending to be another person, substituting identities, or misrepresenting identity, prescribing a punishment of up to five years.

Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent distribution among creditors

Punishes the dishonest or fraudulent removal, concealment, or transfer of property without adequate consideration to prevent its distribution among creditors, prescribing a minimum six-month sentence.

Dishonestly or fraudulently preventing debt being available for creditors

Criminalizes dishonestly or fraudulently preventing any debt or demand due to oneself or another from being legally available for debt payment, prescribing a penalty of up to two years.

Dishonest or fraudulent execution of deed of transfer containing false statement of consideration

Punishes the dishonest or fraudulent execution of a transfer deed or instrument containing false details about the consideration or the true beneficiary.

Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property

Punishes the dishonest or fraudulent concealment or removal of property (belonging to oneself or another) or the dishonest release of any entitled claim or demand.

Mischief

Defines and punishes mischief, introducing new value-based graded sentencing and continuing enhanced penalties for damage to public property or committing it with violent preparation.

Mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless any animal

Punishes mischief committed against animals, including killing, poisoning, maiming, or rendering them useless, with up to five years imprisonment.

Mischief by injury, inundation, fire or explosive substance, etc.

Defines and punishes various aggravated forms of mischief, including water supply reduction, infrastructure damage, and using fire or explosives to destroy buildings or crops.

Mischief with intent to destroy or make unsafe a rail, aircraft or vessel

Punishes mischief targeting rail, aircraft, or large vessels with intent to destroy or make them unsafe, prescribing up to ten years imprisonment, or life imprisonment if committed using fire or explosives.

Mischief by intentionally running vessel aground or ashore

Punishes intentionally running any vessel aground or ashore with the intent to commit theft or dishonest misappropriation of its contents, prescribing up to ten years imprisonment.

Criminal trespass and house-trespass

Defines and prescribes punishment for criminal trespass (up to 3 months imprisonment or fine up to 5,000 rupees) and house-trespass (up to 1 year imprisonment or fine up to 5,000 rupees).

Lurking house-trespass and house-breaking

Defines the offences of lurking house-trespass (concealing trespass from authorized persons) and house-breaking (trespassing using six specified unlawful methods like opening locks or scaling walls).

Punishment for lurking house-trespass or house-breaking

Prescribes punishments for lurking house-trespass and house-breaking under various aggravated conditions, ranging from 2 years up to life imprisonment depending on timing, intent, and harm caused.

House-trespass in order to commit offence

Prescribes punishments for committing house-trespass to commit other offences, ranging from 2 years up to life imprisonment depending on whether the intended offence is punishable by death, life imprisonment, or standard imprisonment.

House-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint

Punishes committing house-trespass after making preparation to cause hurt, assault, wrongful restraint, or putting any person in fear of the same, with up to seven years imprisonment and a fine.

Dishonestly breaking open receptacle containing property

Punishes dishonestly breaking open or unfastening any closed receptacle containing property, with up to 2 years imprisonment, or up to 3 years if the offender was entrusted with its custody.

Making a false document or false electronic record

Defines the criteria for making a false document or false electronic record, which is the core component of the offence of forgery.

Forgery

Defines forgery and prescribes penalties for basic forgery (up to 2 years), forgery for cheating (up to 7 years), and forgery to harm reputation (up to 3 years).

Forgery of record of Court or of public register, etc.

Punishes forging court records, government-issued identity documents (like Aadhaar Card or Voter ID), public registers, or public servant certificates with up to 7 years imprisonment and a fine.

Forgery of valuable security, will, etc.

Punishes forging valuable securities, wills, adoption authorizations, or receipts for money/property, with life imprisonment or up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine.

Having possession of document described in section 337 or 338, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine

Punishes possessing forged documents mentioned in sections 337 (up to 7 years imprisonment) or 338 (life imprisonment or up to 7 years imprisonment) with intent to use them as genuine.

Forged document or electronic record and using it as genuine

Defines a forged document and prescribes that using a forged document or electronic record as genuine, knowing it to be forged, is punishable in the same manner as if the offender had forged it.

Making or counterfeiting seal, plate, etc., with intent to commit forgery

Punishes making, counterfeiting, possessing, or fraudulently using counterfeit seals, plates, or other instruments meant for committing forgery under BNS Section 338 (up to life imprisonment) or other sections (up to 7 years).

Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents

Punishes counterfeiting or possessing materials with counterfeit devices or marks used to authenticate documents under BNS Section 338 (up to life imprisonment) or other documents (up to 7 years imprisonment).

Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security

Punishes fraudulently cancelling, destroying, defacing, or secreting any will, valuable security, or adoption authority with life imprisonment or up to 7 years imprisonment and a fine.

Falsification of accounts

Punishes falsification of accounts, books, or records by a clerk, officer, or servant with intent to defraud, with up to seven years imprisonment, fine, or both.

Property mark and using a false property mark

Defines property marks and false property marks, and penalizes the fraudulent use of a false property mark with imprisonment up to 1 year, fine, or both.

Removing, destroying or defacing property mark

Penalizes the removal, destruction, defacement, or alteration of any property mark with intent or knowledge of causing injury, with imprisonment up to 1 year, fine, or both.

Counterfeiting property mark used by another or public servant

Defines penalties for counterfeiting a property mark used by another person (up to 2 years imprisonment) or a public servant (up to 3 years imprisonment).

Making or possession of instrument for counterfeiting property mark

Penalizes making or possessing any die, plate, or instrument for counterfeiting a property mark, or possessing a property mark for deceptive purposes, with imprisonment up to 3 years, fine, or both.

Selling goods marked with a counterfeit property mark

Penalizes selling or possessing goods with counterfeit property marks, unless the accused proves they acted in good faith and provided supplier details, with imprisonment up to 1 year, fine, or both.

Making or using a false mark on a receptacle containing goods

Penalizes making or using a false mark on a package/container to deceive about its contents, nature, or quality, with imprisonment up to 3 years, fine, or both.

Criminal intimidation

Defines and penalizes criminal intimidation with up to 2 years imprisonment, or up to 7 years for severe threats (death, grievous hurt, etc.), plus an additional 2 years for anonymous threats.

Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace

Penalizes intentional insult and provocation intended or likely to cause a person to break public peace or commit an offence, with up to 2 years imprisonment, fine, or both.

Statements conducing to public mischief

Penalizes making, publishing, or circulating statements, rumours, or false information (including via electronic means) that incite mutiny, cause public alarm, or promote inter-class hatred.

Act caused by inducing person to believe that he will be rendered an object of Divine displeasure

Penalizes compelling a person to act or omit acting by inducing fear of becoming an object of Divine displeasure, with imprisonment up to 1 year, fine, or both.

Misconduct in public by a drunken person

Penalizes public misconduct by an intoxicated person causing annoyance to others with simple imprisonment up to 24 hours, a fine up to Rs. 1,000, both, or community service.

Defamation

Defines defamation and its 10 exceptions, and penalizes defaming another (up to 2 years simple imprisonment, fine, both, or community service) as well as printing or selling defamatory material.

Breach of contract to attend on and supply wants of helpless person

Penalizes the voluntary omission of a contractual duty to care for or supply the needs of a helpless person (due to youth, illness, or mental/bodily weakness) with up to 3 months imprisonment, a fine up to Rs. 5,000, or both.

Repeal and savings

Repeals the Indian Penal Code (IPC) while saving actions, rights, liabilities, investigations, and pending proceedings initiated under the repealed code.