Library/BSA/Section 24
Section 24PopularSubstantive

Consideration of proved confession affecting person making it and others jointly under trial for same offence

Full Text

When more persons than one are being tried jointly for the same offence, and a confession made by one of such persons affecting himself and some other of such persons is proved, the Court may take into consideration such confession as against such other person as well as against the person who makes such confession.

Explanation I.—“Offence”, as used in this section, includes the abetment of, or attempt to commit, the offence.

Explanation II.—A trial of more persons than one held in the absence of the accused who has absconded or who fails to comply with a proclamation issued under section 84 of the BNSS, 2023 shall be deemed to be a joint trial for the purpose of this section.

Illustrations.
(a) A and B are jointly tried for the murder of C. It is proved that A said— “B and I murdered C”. The Court may consider the effect of this confession as against B.
(b) A is on his trial for the murder of C. There is evidence that B said— “A and I murdered C”. This statement may NOT be taken into consideration against A, as B is not being jointly tried.

Plain English Summary

Allows use of a confession against co-accused in joint trials.

Key Legal Elements

  • Joint trial required
  • Same offence
  • Confession affecting self and others
  • Court discretion to consider
  • Includes abetment/attempt

Practical Note

This is the rule regarding the "Confession of a Co-accused". It is considered weak evidence and requires corroboration. Note that the joint trial is a mandatory condition.

हिंदी पाठ

जब एक से अधिक व्यक्तियों का एक ही अपराध के लिए संयुक्त विचारण हो रहा हो, और उनमें से कोई एक ऐसी संस्वीकृति दे जो उसे और दूसरों को प्रभावित करती हो, तो न्यायालय उस पर विचार कर सकता है।

स्पष्टीकरण I.—"अपराध" में दुष्प्रेरण या प्रयत्न भी शामिल है।

स्पष्टीकरण II.—फरार अभियुक्त की अनुपस्थिति में विचारण को भी संयुक्त विचारण माना जाएगा।

दृष्टांत:
(क) A और B का संयुक्त विचारण: A की संस्वीकृति "B और मैंने हत्या की" B के विरुद्ध मानी जा सकती है।
(ख) अलग विचारण: यदि B का संयुक्त विचारण नहीं हो रहा है, तो उसका बयान A के विरुद्ध नहीं माना जाएगा।