The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 45 of 2023)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) is a landmark legal reform that replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), introducing several crucial changes in India's criminal law landscape. While retaining most of the provisions of the IPC, the BNS adds new sections, removes outdated ones, and revises certain offenses to better address modern crimes and societal needs.

A key feature of the BNS is the classification of organized crimes, including financial frauds, cybercrimes, and mass marketing scams. This change allows for harsher penalties and better enforcement, aiming to deter such crimes that have become increasingly prevalent in today’s digital age. Additionally, community service has been introduced as an alternative form of punishment, highlighting a shift towards restorative justice in certain cases. The BNS also strengthens provisions related to national security, adding a new offense for acts that threaten India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. Furthermore, it increases punishments for heinous crimes such as murder and sexual assault, aligning with public demands for stricter justice in these areas.

The new law repeals 20 IPC sections and introduces 20 new sections, making the legal framework more relevant and aligned with contemporary issues. The changes are aimed at making the legal system more responsive to modern-day challenges while maintaining justice for all. In essence, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, marks a major step forward in India's criminal justice system, bringing it in line with current realities and ensuring that the law

Chapter 1 – Introduction 1
Chapter 2 – General Explanations 15
Chapter 3 – Of Punishments 55
Chapter 4 – General Exceptions 77
Chapter 5 – Of Abetment 105
Chapter 5A – Criminal Conspiracy 123
Chapter 6 – Of Offences Against The State 125
Chapter 7 – Of Offences Relating to The Army, Navy and Air Force 137
Chapter 8 – Of Offences Against the Public Tranquillity 147
Chapter 9 – Of Offences by or Relating to Public Servants 163
Chapter 9A – Of Offences Relating to Elections 171
Chapter 10 – Of Contempts of The Lawful Authority of Public Servants 175
Chapter 11 – Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice 193
Chapter 12 – Of Offences Relating to Coin and Government Stamps 233
Chapter 13 – Of Offences Relating to Weights and Measures 259
Chapter 14 – Of Offences Affecting The Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals 263
Chapter 15 – Of Offences Relating to Religion 283
Chapter 16 – Of Offences Affecting The Human Body 287
Chapter 17 – Miscellaneous 361

Index 407