Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
AIBE 2026 – Complete Offence-wise Study Guide
Bare Act Based · Section-wise · Exam-Focused · Student-Friendly
📖 Introduction to BNS 2023
What is BNS 2023?
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) is the new criminal code of India that replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC). It was enacted by the Parliament of India and received Presidential assent on 25 December 2023. It came into force on 1 July 2024. BNS contains 358 sections compared to the 511 sections in the old IPC.
Why Important for AIBE 2026?
- BNS replaces IPC — all criminal law questions will now be from BNS
- High weightage in AIBE criminal law paper
- New section numbers must be memorised
- New offences added: organised crime, terrorism, hit-and-run
- Many provisions restructured with new numbering
How BNS Replaced IPC
- IPC 1860 (511 sections) → BNS 2023 (358 sections)
- Redundant and outdated provisions merged or removed
- New offences added: organised crime (S.111), terrorism (S.113), hit-and-run (S.106(2))
- Gender-neutral language introduced in several provisions
- Community service as new punishment introduced
- Electronic records expressly recognised
How to Study BNS for AIBE
- Understand the offence first (what act is punished)
- Learn the section number
- Learn the punishment
- Understand key ingredients
- Note distinction from related offences
- Revise tables and quick points
- Practice MCQs section-wise
📋 Table of Contents
🔁 BNS 2023 Structure Flowchart
🧠 BNS 2023 Mind Map
🗺️ AIBE 2026 Study Roadmap – BNS 2023
Week 1 – Foundation
Read BNS Preamble, understand why it replaced IPC. Study S.1-8 (Title, Extent, Commencement, Definitions). Learn punishment categories: death, imprisonment for life, rigorous/simple imprisonment, forfeiture, fine, community service.
Week 2 – General Exceptions & Abetment
Study General Exceptions (S.14-44): unsoundness of mind, intoxication, consent, private defence. Study Abetment (S.45-60). Study criminal conspiracy (S.61). Study Attempt (S.62).
Week 3 – Human Body Offences (Priority)
This is the highest-weightage area. Study Culpable Homicide (S.100), Murder (S.101), Hurt (S.114-115), Assault (S.130-131), Kidnapping (S.136-140), Trafficking (S.143), Rape (S.63), Sexual offences, Cruelty (S.85-86).
Week 4 – Property Offences
Theft (S.303), Extortion (S.308), Robbery (S.309), Dacoity (S.310-311), Criminal Misappropriation (S.314), CBT (S.316-317), Cheating (S.318-319), Mischief (S.324-327), Criminal Trespass (S.329-334). Learn key distinctions.
Week 5 – State, Public Order, Public Servants
Offences against State (S.147-152), Unlawful Assembly (S.189-197), Rioting (S.191-192), Offences by Public Servants (S.197-201), Contempt of lawful authority (S.202-225).
Week 6 – Documents, Forgery, Special Offences
Forgery (S.335-349), Defamation (S.356), Criminal Intimidation (S.351-352), Organised Crime (S.111), Terrorism (S.113). Revise BNS vs IPC section mapping table.
Week 7 – Revision + MCQ Practice
Full revision using summary tables. Solve all MCQs in this guide. Focus on punishment thresholds, key distinctions (CL vs Murder, Robbery vs Dacoity, Theft vs Extortion). Review all AIBE traps.
Final Week – Mock Tests
Take section-wise mock tests. Use the quick revision zone daily. Focus on sections where BNS numbers differ from IPC. Revise community service and new-age offences. Exam day: read each question carefully, focus on key words like "dishonestly", "fraudulently", "voluntarily".
⚖️ Offence-wise Study Guide
Chapter 1 – General Concepts, Definitions & Punishments
📌 Important Definitions (S.2, BNS 2023)
| Term | Definition in Brief (BNS S.2) |
|---|---|
| Child | Any person below the age of 18 years (S.2(3)) |
| Document | Any matter expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters, figures, or marks (S.2(8)) |
| Electronic Record | Has the same meaning as in the Information Technology Act, 2000 (S.2(9)) |
| Fraudulently | A person is said to do a thing fraudulently if he does that thing with intent to defraud but not otherwise (S.2(13)) |
| Good Faith | Nothing is said to be done in good faith which is done without due care and attention (S.2(14)) |
| Grievous Hurt | Eight categories including emasculation, permanent privation of sight, hearing, etc. (S.114) |
| Dishonestly | Doing anything with the intention of causing wrongful gain to one person or wrongful loss to another (S.2(7)) |
| Voluntarily | A person is said to cause an effect voluntarily when he causes it by means whereby he intended to cause it (S.2(35)) |
| Public Servant | Persons in defined categories including govt servants, police, judges, arbitrators, etc. (S.2(28)) |
| Wrongful Gain | Gain by unlawful means of property to which the person gaining is not legally entitled (S.2(36)) |
🔴 Punishments under BNS 2023 (S.4 to S.8)
| Type of Punishment | Details | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Death | Capital punishment; awarded in rarest of rare cases | Reserved for murder, terrorism |
| Imprisonment for Life | Confinement for the whole of remaining life | Cannot be reduced below 14 years without specific power |
| Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) | Hard labour required | Convicted person may be put to specified labour |
| Simple Imprisonment (SI) | No labour required | Usually awarded for minor offences |
| Forfeiture of Property | Specific properties ordered to be forfeited | Rarely used; specific sections |
| Fine | Payment of money as punishment | Default imprisonment on non-payment |
| Community Service | NEW in BNS – unpaid work for the community | Awarded for certain petty offences; new concept |
🔗 Abetment (S.45–S.60)
What is Abetment? A person abets the doing of a thing when he:
- Instigates any person to do that thing (S.45(a))
- Engages with one or more persons in a conspiracy for doing that thing (S.45(b))
- Intentionally aids by act or illegal omission (S.45(c))
Punishment: If the act abetted is committed → same punishment as for the principal offence (S.49). If not committed → 1/4th of longest punishment or fine.
🎯 Criminal Conspiracy (S.61)
When two or more persons agree to do or cause to be done an illegal act or an act which is not illegal but by illegal means, they are said to have conspired.
Punishment: Where no express provision: imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both. Where the offence conspired is punishable with death/RI/imprisonment of 2 years or more → same punishment as abetment of that offence.
⚡ Attempt (S.62)
Whoever attempts to commit an offence and does any act towards the commission shall, when no express provision is made, be punished with imprisonment up to 1/2 of the longest term provided, or fine, or both.
👥 Common Intention (S.3(5))
When a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all, each person is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.
Chapter 2 – Offences Against the State (S.147–S.158)
🚨 Waging or Attempting to Wage War against Government of India (S.147)
Offence: Whoever wages war, or attempts to wage war, or abets the waging of war against the Government of India.
Punishment: Death, or Imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
🚨 Conspiracy to commit offences against State (S.148)
Offence: Whoever within or without India conspires to commit any of the offences in S.147 (waging war etc.) or to overawe by criminal force the Central or State Government.
Punishment: Imprisonment for life or up to 10 years, and fine.
🚨 Collecting Arms etc. with intention of waging war (S.149)
Collecting arms, ammunition, or war-stores, or associates with persons who have collected them with intent to wage war.
Punishment: Imprisonment for life or up to 10 years, and fine.
📢 Sedition-type Offence (Acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity) (S.152)
Important: The colonial sedition law (S.124A IPC) has been replaced. BNS S.152 covers acts that knowingly or purposely by words, signs, or visible representation, or by any other means of communication, or by use of financial means, excite or attempt to excite secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities, or encourage feelings of separatist activities.
Punishment: Imprisonment for life or imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
🏳️ Assaulting President, Governor etc. (S.150)
Whoever commits any act which subverts or attempts to subvert the constitutional government of any State, or of India.
Punishment: Death or imprisonment for life, and fine.
Chapter 3 – Public Order, Unlawful Assembly & Rioting (S.189–S.197)
👥 Unlawful Assembly (S.189)
Definition: An assembly of five or more persons is designated as "unlawful assembly" if the common object of the persons composing that assembly is:
- To overawe by criminal force any Central/State Government or Parliament or Legislature or public servant
- To resist the execution of any law or legal process
- To commit mischief, criminal trespass, or other offences
- By criminal force or show thereof to compel any person to do an illegal act
- To enforce any right or supposed right by criminal force or show thereof
Punishment (S.189(3)): Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
🔥 Rioting (S.191)
Definition: Whenever force or violence is used by an unlawful assembly (or any member thereof) in prosecution of the common object of such assembly, every member of such assembly is guilty of the offence of rioting.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
🔫 Rioting, armed with deadly weapon (S.192)
Rioting where members are armed with deadly weapons or things used as weapons of offence.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
📢 Promoting Enmity / Prejudicial to National Integration (S.196)
Words, signs, or representations that promote enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste, community, or any other ground; or prejudicial to national integration.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both; if done in place of worship: up to 5 years and fine.
🎭 Imputations prejudicial to national integration (S.197)
Assertions, counsels, pleas or appeals on the basis of religion, race, language, caste, or community which result in national disintegration.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
Chapter 4 – Offences by or Relating to Public Servants
🏛️ Public Servant Framing Incorrect Document (S.227)
A public servant who frames an incorrect record or writing in contravention of law, with intent to cause injury to any person.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
🏛️ Public Servant disobeying law with intent to cause injury (S.202)
A public servant who knowingly disobeys any direction of the law as to the way in which he is to conduct himself as such public servant, intending to cause or knowing it to be likely to cause injury to any person.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
⚖️ Public Servant unlawfully engaging in trade (S.206)
Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
🔒 Wrongful confinement by public servant (S.211)
A public servant who keeps a person in confinement knowing that he is not authorised by law to do so.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years plus fine, or fine alone.
🔍 Resistance to taking of property by lawful authority (S.221)
Resisting seizure or taking away of property by a person lawfully authorised to seize the same.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
Chapter 5 – Offences Affecting the Human Body (S.63–S.145)
⭐ This is the HIGHEST PRIORITY chapter for AIBE. Study each offence carefully.
💀 Culpable Homicide (S.100)
Definition: Whoever causes death by doing an act with:
- Intention of causing death, or
- Intention of causing such bodily injury as is likely to cause death, or
- Knowledge that the act is likely to cause death
Punishment (not amounting to murder) (S.105):
- Where act causing death done with intention: RI up to 10 years + fine
- Where act done with knowledge: imprisonment up to 10 years, or fine, or both
🔪 Murder (S.101)
Culpable homicide IS Murder if:
- Done with intention of causing death, OR
- Done with intention of causing bodily injury and the injury intended is sufficient to cause death in ordinary nature, OR
- Done with knowledge that the act is imminently dangerous and is likely to cause death
Exceptions to Murder (which reduce it to Culpable Homicide):
- Grave and sudden provocation
- Exceeding right of private defence
- Public servant exceeding powers
- Sudden fight without premeditation
- Consent of person of sound mind above 18 years (mercy killing-type)
Punishment (S.103): Death or Imprisonment for Life + fine.
🚗 Causing Death by Negligence (S.106)
Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 5 years + fine.
S.106(2) – NEW: Hit and Run: Whoever causes death by rash and negligent driving of a vehicle and escapes without reporting to police or a magistrate → RI up to 10 years + fine.
🤕 Hurt (S.114) and Grievous Hurt (S.115)
Hurt (S.114): Whoever causes bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Punishment for Voluntarily Causing Hurt: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine up to ₹10,000, or both.
Grievous Hurt (S.114): Eight specific categories:
- Emasculation
- Permanent privation of sight of either eye
- Permanent privation of hearing of either ear
- Privation of any member or joint
- Destruction or permanent impairing of powers of any member or joint
- Permanent disfiguration of the head or face
- Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth
- Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be in severe bodily pain for 20 days
Punishment for Voluntarily Causing Grievous Hurt (S.115): Imprisonment up to 7 years + fine.
😤 Assault & Criminal Force (S.130–S.131)
Assault (S.131): Whoever makes any gesture or preparation intending or knowing it to be likely that such gesture or preparation will cause any person present to apprehend that criminal force is about to be used.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both.
Criminal Force (S.130): Whoever intentionally uses force on any person without consent and against his will, or with intent to commit an offence.
🔗 Wrongful Restraint & Confinement (S.126–S.127)
Wrongful Restraint (S.126): Voluntarily obstructing any person so as to prevent them from proceeding in any direction in which they have a right to proceed.
Punishment: SI up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹5,000, or both.
Wrongful Confinement (S.127): Restraining any person in such a manner as to prevent them from proceeding beyond certain circumscribing limits.
Punishment: SI up to 1 year, or fine up to ₹5,000, or both.
👶 Kidnapping & Abduction (S.136–S.140)
Kidnapping (S.136):
- From India (S.137): Conveying any person beyond the limits of India without consent of that person or legal guardian
- From lawful guardianship (S.137): Taking or enticing any minor under 16 (male) or 18 (female), or any person of unsound mind, out of keeping of lawful guardian without consent
Abduction (S.138): Whoever by force compels, or by any deceitful means induces, any person to go from any place.
Punishment (Kidnapping or abducting with intent to murder, S.139): Death or RI for life or RI up to 10 years + fine.
👶 Trafficking of Persons (S.143)
Offence: Whoever, for purpose of exploitation, recruits, harbours, transports, transfers, or receives a person by using threats, force, coercion, deception, or by giving benefits.
Punishment: RI from 7 years up to 10 years + fine. For trafficking of minor: RI from 10 years up to RI for life + fine.
👩 Rape (S.63)
Definition: A man is said to commit rape who has sexual intercourse with a woman under circumstances falling under any of the seven descriptions:
- Against her will
- Without her consent
- With consent obtained by putting her in fear of death or hurt
- Consent given when she was made to believe he was her husband
- Consent when woman is of unsound mind, or intoxicated
- Woman under 18 years of age (even with consent)
- When she is unable to communicate consent
Punishment (S.64): RI not less than 10 years, may extend to RI for life + fine.
Gang Rape (S.70): RI not less than 20 years up to RI for life + fine.
Rape of a child (S.65): RI not less than 20 years up to RI for life or death.
🔥 Acid Attack (S.124)
Whoever throws or administers acid on any person or attempts to throw acid.
Punishment: RI not less than 10 years up to RI for life + fine (min ₹10 lakh payable to victim for medical expenses).
📰 Sexual Harassment (S.75)
Unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature. Includes demand or request for sexual favours, showing pornography, making sexually coloured remarks.
Punishment: RI up to 3 years, or fine, or both (serious cases); up to 1 year or fine (other cases).
👁️ Voyeurism (S.76)
Watching or capturing image of a woman engaging in private act without consent.
Punishment: 1st offence: RI from 1 to 3 years + fine; subsequent offences: RI from 3 to 7 years + fine.
🏃 Stalking (S.77)
Following, contacting, or attempting to contact a woman despite disinterest, or monitoring online activity.
Punishment: 1st offence: RI up to 3 years + fine; subsequent offences: RI up to 5 years + fine.
💔 Cruelty by Husband or Relatives (S.85–S.86)
S.85: Whoever being the husband or relative of the husband of a woman, subjects her to cruelty (harassment for dowry demand or conduct causing injury).
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years + fine.
💀 Dowry Death (S.80)
Where death of a woman is caused within 7 years of marriage by burns, bodily injury, or abnormal circumstances, and it is shown that she was subjected to cruelty or harassment in connection with dowry demands.
Punishment: RI not less than 7 years up to RI for life.
Chapter 6 – Offences Against Property (S.303–S.334)
🛍️ Theft (S.303)
Essential Ingredients:
- Dishonest intention to take property
- The property must be moveable
- Property must be taken out of possession of another person
- Must be taken without that person's consent
- Moving of the property is essential (however slight)
Punishment (S.303(2)): Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
💰 Extortion (S.308)
Definition: Whoever intentionally puts any person in fear of any injury to that person, or to any other person, and thereby dishonestly induces the person so put in fear to deliver any property or document.
Punishment (S.308(2)): Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
🗡️ Robbery (S.309)
Robbery = Theft + Force/Fear
In all robbery there is either theft or extortion. Theft becomes robbery when, to commit theft or carrying away/attempting to carry away the stolen property, the offender voluntarily causes or attempts to cause death, hurt, or wrongful restraint, or puts in fear of such.
Punishment: RI up to 10 years + fine; if on highway between sunset and sunrise: up to 14 years.
👥 Dacoity (S.310)
When five or more persons conjointly commit or attempt to commit robbery, or where the whole number of persons conjointly committing or attempting to commit robbery, and persons present and aiding such commission or attempt, amount to five or more.
Punishment (S.310(2)): RI for life or RI up to 10 years + fine.
💼 Criminal Misappropriation (S.314)
Whoever dishonestly misappropriates or converts to his own use any moveable property.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
🤝 Criminal Breach of Trust (CBT) (S.316)
Whoever, being in any manner entrusted with property, or with any dominion over property, dishonestly misappropriates or converts to his own use that property, or dishonestly uses or disposes of that property in violation of any law or direction of law prescribing the mode in which such trust is to be discharged.
Punishment (S.316(2)): Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both, or both.
Aggravated CBT by carrier, wharfinger or warehouse keeper (S.317): RI up to 7 years + fine.
Aggravated CBT by clerk or servant (S.317): RI up to 7 years + fine.
Aggravated CBT by public servant, banker, merchant, agent (S.318): RI up to 10 years + fine (no maximum for life implied).
🎭 Cheating (S.318)
Ingredients:
- Deceiving any person
- By such deception, fraudulently/dishonestly inducing that person to deliver property or to do/omit something they would not otherwise do
Punishment (S.318(2)): Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
Cheating by impersonation (S.319): Same punishment.
Cheating and thereby dishonestly inducing delivery of property (S.318(3)): RI up to 7 years + fine.
💥 Mischief (S.324)
Whoever with intent to cause, or knowing that he is likely to cause, wrongful loss or damage to the public or to any person, causes the destruction of any property, or any such change as destroys or diminishes its value or utility.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine, or both.
Aggravated mischief on railway, public road, bridge etc.: RI up to 5 years + fine.
🏠 Criminal Trespass & House Trespass (S.329–S.334)
Criminal Trespass (S.329): Entering into or upon property in possession of another with intent to commit an offence or to intimidate, insult or annoy any person in possession.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine up to ₹5,000, or both.
House Trespass (S.330): Criminal trespass by entering into or remaining in any building, tent, or vessel used as human dwelling, or any building used as place of worship or for custody of property.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine up to ₹10,000, or both.
Lurking House Trespass (S.331): Concealing oneself before entering or taking precautions to conceal the house trespass.
House Breaking (S.331): Using or threatening force at time of entry or exit, or by crawling through openings, climbing, using a key wrongfully obtained, or using false key.
Punishment for House Breaking by night: RI up to 3 years + fine.
Chapter 7 – Forgery, Documents & Electronic Records (S.335–S.354)
📄 Forgery (S.335)
Definition: Whoever makes any false document or false electronic record or part of a document or electronic record with intent to cause damage or injury, or to support any claim, title, or cause any person to part with property, or to commit fraud, or enter into any express or implied contract.
Punishment (S.336): Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Forgery of a valuable security, will, etc. (S.338): RI up to 7 years + fine.
Forgery for purpose of cheating (S.340): RI up to 7 years + fine.
Forgery for purpose of harming reputation (S.341): RI up to 3 years + fine.
📋 Using as Genuine a Forged Document (S.343)
Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly uses as genuine any document or electronic record which he knows or has reason to believe to be a forged document or electronic record.
Punishment: Same as for forgery of that document.
🖨️ Counterfeiting (S.178–S.188)
Counterfeiting coin, government stamps, or currency notes is punishable under specific sections. Making, buying, or selling counterfeit coin: RI up to 10 years + fine. Counterfeiting government stamp: RI up to 7 years + fine.
🔖 Property Mark Offences (S.345–S.349)
Fraudulent use of trade mark/property mark, counterfeiting property marks, making or possessing instruments for counterfeiting.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 1-3 years, or fine, or both (depending on gravity).
Chapter 8 – Offences Relating to Marriage, Women & Family (S.80–S.99)
💍 Bigamy (S.82)
Whoever, having a husband or wife living, marries in any case in which such marriage is void by reason of its taking place during the life of such husband or wife.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years + fine.
💔 Matrimonial Cruelty (S.85)
Cruelty by husband or relatives includes:
- Any willful conduct likely to drive the woman to commit suicide, or to cause grave injury or danger to life, limb, or health
- Harassment with a view to coerce her or any person related to her to meet any unlawful demand for any property or valuable security
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years + fine.
💀 Dowry Death (S.80)
Death of a woman within 7 years of marriage caused by burns, bodily injury, or abnormal circumstances while subjected to dowry-related cruelty.
Punishment: RI not less than 7 years up to RI for life.
Courts shall presume it was dowry death if the ingredients are made out (presumption under Evidence law).
👶 Child Marriage Offences
Under BNS, sexual intercourse with wife below 18 years is rape (S.63 Exception 2 proviso). The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act operates independently. BNS provisions on kidnapping of minors (S.137) and trafficking of children (S.143) are also relevant.
📰 Word, Gesture or Act Intended to Insult the Modesty of a Woman (S.79)
Using obscene gestures, intrusions upon the privacy of a woman in situations involving nudity, or assault on or criminal force against woman with intent to outrage modesty.
Punishment: RI up to 1 year, or fine, or both.
📋 Concealing birth by secret disposal of dead body (S.93)
Whoever, by secretly burying or otherwise disposing of the dead body of a child, intends to conceal or endeavours to conceal the birth of that child.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Chapter 9 – Defamation, Criminal Intimidation & Annoyance (S.351–S.358)
📢 Defamation (S.356)
Definition: Making or publishing any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe it will harm, the reputation of such person.
Forms: By words (spoken or intended to be read), signs, or visible representations.
Punishment: SI up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Exceptions (No defamation):
- Truth for public good
- Opinion on public conduct of a public servant in discharge of his duties
- Opinion on conduct of person in a public question
- Comment on court proceedings accurately reported
- Censure by authority over person
- Accusation in good faith to authorised person
- Imputation in good faith to protect interests of maker or others
- Warning in good faith
- Fair criticism of published literary/artistic works
- Comment on public performance at public gathering
⚡ Criminal Intimidation (S.351)
Threatening any person with injury to his person, reputation, or property, or to the person, reputation, or property of any person in whom that person is interested, with intent to cause alarm or to cause that person to do or to omit to do any act which that person is not legally bound to do.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
If threat is to cause death or grievous hurt: RI up to 7 years + fine.
😤 Intentional Insult to Provoke Breach of Peace (S.352)
Intentional insult intended to provoke any person to break the public peace, or likely to lead to such.
Punishment: SI up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
🔊 Statements Conducing to Public Mischief (S.197(1)(c))
Making, publishing, or circulating any statement, rumour, or report with intent to cause alarm, or to incite any class to commit offence.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
Chapter 10 – Organised Crime, Terrorism & New-age Offences (S.111–S.113)
🕵️ Organised Crime (S.111) – NEW in BNS
Definition: Any continuing unlawful activity including kidnapping for ransom, murder, extortion, land grabbing, financial scams, cybercrime, trafficking, supply of contraband, or use of violence or threat of violence by a person singly or jointly, either as a member of an organised crime syndicate or on behalf of such syndicate, using violence, threats, intimidation, coercion, or other unlawful means to obtain material benefits, financial or otherwise.
Punishment (S.111(1)): Death or RI for life + fine not less than ₹10 lakh.
Punishment (if no one dies): RI not less than 5 years up to RI for life + fine not less than ₹5 lakh.
💣 Terrorist Act (S.113) – NEW in BNS
Definition: Whoever with intent to threaten or likely to threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security, or economic security of India, or to strike terror or likely to strike terror in the people of India or any part of India does any act using bombs, dynamite, other explosive substances, inflammable substances, firearms, other lethal weapons, poisons, noxious gases, chemicals, or other substances of a hazardous nature, causing death, injury, or damage to property.
Punishment: Death or RI for life + fine (if death results). RI not less than 5 years up to RI for life + fine (other cases).
🌐 Petty Organised Crime (S.112) – NEW in BNS
Acts carried out by a group of two or more persons including theft, snatching, cheating, unauthorised selling of tickets, illegal hawking, causing damage to property, etc.
Punishment: RI from 1 year up to 7 years + fine.
📊 Important Revision Tables
Table 1 – Key Definitions & Their Significance
| Term | BNS Section | Simple Meaning | AIBE Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dishonestly | S.2(7) | Intent to cause wrongful gain or wrongful loss | Key for theft, CBT, cheating |
| Fraudulently | S.2(13) | Intent to defraud | Key for forgery offences |
| Voluntarily | S.2(35) | Using means intended to cause the effect | Key for hurt offences |
| Document | S.2(8) | Matter expressed on any substance by letters/marks | Key for forgery |
| Electronic Record | S.2(9) | As defined under IT Act 2000 | New addition; digital offences |
| Public Servant | S.2(28) | Broad category including govt employees, police, judges | Public servant offences |
| Child | S.2(3) | Person below 18 years | Kidnapping, trafficking, rape |
| Grievous Hurt | S.114 | 8 specified categories of serious injury | Directly tested in MCQs |
| Wrongful Gain | S.2(36) | Unlawful gain of property not legally entitled to | Theft, robbery, CBT |
| Wrongful Loss | S.2(37) | Unlawful deprivation of property legally entitled to | Theft, CBT, cheating |
Table 2 – Offences Against Human Body (Summary)
| Offence | BNS Section | Key Ingredient | Maximum Punishment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culpable Homicide (not murder) | S.100 / S.105 | Intent or knowledge to cause death | RI 10 years + fine |
| Murder | S.101 / S.103 | Culpable homicide with specific intent | Death or RI for life + fine |
| Death by Negligence | S.106(1) | Rash or negligent act causing death | 5 years + fine |
| Hit & Run (new) | S.106(2) | Negligent driving + fleeing scene | RI 10 years + fine |
| Hurt | S.114 / S.115(1) | Bodily pain, disease, infirmity | 1 year or ₹10,000 fine |
| Grievous Hurt | S.114 / S.115(2) | 8 specified serious injuries | RI 7 years + fine |
| Assault | S.131 | Gesture/preparation causing apprehension of force | 3 months or ₹1,000 |
| Wrongful Restraint | S.126 | Obstructing movement in a direction | 1 month or ₹5,000 |
| Wrongful Confinement | S.127 | Restricting movement within limits | 1 year or ₹5,000 |
| Kidnapping from guardianship | S.137 | Taking minor without guardian's consent | 7 years + fine |
| Trafficking of persons | S.143 | Recruitment/transport for exploitation | RI 7-10 years + fine |
| Rape | S.63 / S.64 | Non-consensual sexual intercourse | RI 10 years to life + fine |
| Gang Rape | S.70 | Rape by group | RI 20 years to life + fine |
| Acid Attack | S.124 | Throwing acid with grievous hurt intent | RI 10 years to life + fine ₹10L |
| Stalking | S.77 | Following woman despite disinterest | 1st: 3 yrs; Repeat: 5 yrs |
| Voyeurism | S.76 | Watching/capturing private acts | 1st: 3 yrs; Repeat: 7 yrs |
| Dowry Death | S.80 | Death within 7 years + dowry cruelty | RI 7 years to life |
| Cruelty by husband | S.85 | Willful conduct/harassment for dowry | 3 years + fine |
Table 3 – Property Offences Summary
| Offence | BNS Section | Key Distinction | Punishment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft | S.303 | Dishonest taking of moveable property without consent | 3 years + fine |
| Extortion | S.308 | Putting in fear + inducing delivery of property | 3 years + fine |
| Robbery | S.309 | Theft/Extortion + violence or fear of violence | RI 10 years + fine |
| Dacoity | S.310 | Robbery by 5 or more persons | RI life or 10 years + fine |
| Criminal Misappropriation | S.314 | Lawful possession → dishonest conversion | 2 years + fine |
| Criminal Breach of Trust | S.316 | Entrustment + dishonest misappropriation | 3 years + fine (base) |
| CBT by public servant/banker | S.318 | Aggravated CBT in position of trust | RI 10 years + fine |
| Receiving Stolen Property | S.317 | Knowingly receiving stolen property | 3 years or fine or both |
| Cheating | S.318 | Deception + inducement to do/deliver | 3 years + fine |
| Cheating (property delivery) | S.318(3) | Cheating + delivery of property/valuable security | RI 7 years + fine |
| Mischief | S.324 | Intentional destruction/diminution of property | 3 months + fine |
| Criminal Trespass | S.329 | Entry with intent to commit offence or annoy | 3 months or ₹5,000 |
| House Trespass | S.330 | Trespass in dwelling/worship/custody place | 1 year or ₹10,000 |
| House Breaking by night | S.331 | House-breaking between 9pm and 6am | RI 3 years + fine |
Table 4 – Women & Child Protection Offences
| Offence | BNS Section | Key Facts | Punishment Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | S.63-64 | 7 circumstances; wife <18 = rape | Min RI 10 yrs – life + fine |
| Gang Rape | S.70 | Two or more men jointly commit rape | Min RI 20 yrs – life + fine |
| Rape of child (<18) | S.65 | Any sexual assault on minor | RI 20 yrs – life or death |
| Acid Attack | S.124 | Minimum ₹10L fine for victim's medical expenses | RI 10 yrs – life |
| Sexual Harassment | S.75 | Unwelcome sexual conduct | RI up to 3 yrs + fine |
| Voyeurism | S.76 | Watching/capturing private acts | 1-3 yrs → 3-7 yrs (repeat) |
| Stalking | S.77 | Monitoring/following despite disinterest | Up to 3 yrs → 5 yrs (repeat) |
| Dowry Death | S.80 | Within 7 years + harassment | Min 7 yrs – life |
| Cruelty by Husband | S.85-86 | Physical/mental/dowry harassment | Up to 3 yrs + fine |
| Trafficking of children | S.143 | Minor = heavier punishment | Min RI 10 yrs – life |
| Kidnapping of minor girl <18 | S.137 | Age: 18 for females; no consent needed | 7 yrs + fine |
| Modesty outrage | S.79 | Gesture/assault intending to outrage | RI up to 1 yr + fine |
Table 5 – Important Distinctions (AIBE Favourites)
| Comparison | First Concept | Second Concept | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CL vs Murder | Culpable Homicide (S.100/105): General intent to cause death | Murder (S.101/103): Specific/higher intent; knowledge of near-certain death | Murder has stricter ingredients; Culpable Homicide is genus, Murder is species |
| Robbery vs Dacoity | Robbery (S.309): Theft/Extortion + Force; any number of persons | Dacoity (S.310): Five or more persons committing robbery | Number of persons: Less than 5 = Robbery; 5 or more = Dacoity |
| Theft vs Extortion | Theft (S.303): Without consent; property taken | Extortion (S.308): With consent induced by fear; property delivered | Consent: Absent in theft, fear-based in extortion |
| CBT vs Theft | CBT (S.316): Lawful possession + dishonest misappropriation | Theft (S.303): No prior possession; property taken without consent | Prior entrustment/possession: Exists in CBT, absent in theft |
| Kidnapping vs Abduction | Kidnapping (S.137): Minor <16/18 or unsound; no force needed; guardian consent absent | Abduction (S.138): Any age; force or deceit needed; no age limit | Age limit applies to kidnapping; abduction has no age limit but requires force/deceit |
| Restraint vs Confinement | Restraint (S.126): Blocking movement in a direction | Confinement (S.127): Restricting within circumscribed limits | Partial restriction = restraint; Complete enclosure = confinement |
| Abetment vs Conspiracy | Abetment (S.45): Instigation, conspiracy or aid; overt act needed | Conspiracy (S.61): Agreement alone is enough; no overt act needed | Conspiracy = bare agreement; Abetment = active involvement |
| Common Intention vs Common Object | Common Intention (S.3(5)): Pre-meeting of minds; any number | Common Object (S.190): 5 or more persons in unlawful assembly | Number and pre-plan differ; Common Intention = planning; Common Object = unlawful assembly |
❓ MCQ Practice Bank
📋 Section-wise MCQs
Q1. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 came into force on:
Q2. Under BNS 2023, 'Murder' is defined under:
Q3. 'Theft' is defined under BNS 2023 in Section:
Q4. Dacoity under BNS 2023 requires how many persons to commit or attempt robbery:
Q5. The minimum punishment for Rape under BNS S.64 is:
Q6. Under BNS 2023, Organised Crime is defined in Section:
Q7. 'Culpable Homicide' under BNS 2023 is defined in Section:
Q8. Waging War against the Government of India is punishable under BNS Section:
Q9. Under BNS, 'Wrongful Confinement' is covered by Section:
Q10. Dowry Death under BNS 2023 is covered in Section:
Q11. The number of Sections in BNS 2023 is:
Q12. Criminal Breach of Trust is defined in BNS under Section:
Q13. Forgery for the purpose of cheating under BNS is punishable under Section:
Q14. Defamation under BNS 2023 has how many exceptions?
Q15. Abetment of an offence is covered in BNS 2023 under Sections:
Q16. The offence of 'Stalking' under BNS 2023 is covered under Section:
Q17. 'Community Service' as a punishment is introduced in BNS for which types of offences?
Q18. Trafficking of a minor under BNS 2023 carries a minimum punishment of:
Q19. Criminal Intimidation under BNS is covered in Section:
Q20. Unlawful Assembly under BNS requires:
Q21. Under BNS, the offence of bigamy is covered by Section:
Q22. The offence of causing death by rash driving with a hit-and-run is punishable under:
Q23. Grievous Hurt under BNS 2023 has how many specified categories?
Q24. Criminal Misappropriation under BNS is covered in Section:
Q25. Under BNS 2023, 'Extortion' is covered in Section:
🔍 Argument-wise MCQs
Q1. Ram enters Shyam's shop at night by breaking open the lock. He steals goods worth ₹20,000. What offences has Ram committed?
Q2. A tells B: "Give me ₹50,000 or I will kill your brother." B gives the money out of fear. What has A committed?
Q3. A, while driving rashly, hits a pedestrian. The pedestrian dies. A flees the scene without reporting to police. What is A guilty of?
Q4. Five persons together snatch a gold chain from C on a public road with threats. What offence have they committed?
Q5. A, a company accountant, was entrusted with ₹5 lakh to pay suppliers. He used the money to invest in stocks. What offence has A committed?
Q6. X induces Y, a manufacturer, to part with goods worth ₹2 lakh by falsely claiming to be an authorised buyer. What has X committed?
Q7. A instigates B to kill C. B, after thinking about it, kills C. Who is liable?
Q8. A woman is killed by her husband's family for dowry, two years after marriage. What offence applies?
Q9. A attacks B with a knife and breaks B's leg. What offence has A committed?
Q10. A publishes an article falsely claiming that B, a doctor, performed illegal operations. B's reputation suffers. What has A committed?
Q11. A uses a forged document knowing it to be forged. What is A's liability?
Q12. A minor girl aged 16 willingly goes with B. B was not her guardian. Can B be charged with kidnapping?
Q13. A deliberately locks B in a room for 5 hours without authority. What offence has A committed?
Q14. A and B conspire to rob a bank but before taking any step, they are arrested. Are they guilty?
Q15. A, while quarrelling with B, throws acid on B's face, causing serious disfigurement. What is the offence?
Q16. A, having a living wife, marries another woman, claiming his wife has been missing for 4 years. Is A guilty of Bigamy?
Q17. A gang of 3 armed men robs a bank at gunpoint. What is the offence?
Q18. A person finds a wallet on the road. He keeps it for himself, knowing the owner. What offence is committed?
Q19. A threatens B that he will kill B's sister unless B votes for A in an election. What offence is this?
Q20. A woman calls the police saying she was watched by her neighbour through a hidden camera in her bathroom. What offence is this?
Q21. A stands blocking B on a road waving a stick, preventing B from going toward the market. What is this?
Q22. A and B, two persons, break into a house at night using a duplicate key. They are found inside. What are they guilty of?
Q23. A group of 8 persons gathers near a government office with intent to use force to make the government cancel a policy. This is:
Q24. A, a public servant, knowing he is not authorised, keeps a suspect in custody for 2 days. What offence is this?
Q25. A newspaper publishes true facts about a politician's corrupt acts, for public good. Is this defamation?
📑 Statement-wise MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements about BNS 2023:
I. BNS has more sections than IPC 1860.
II. BNS introduced community service as a new punishment.
Which statement(s) is/are correct?
Q2. I. Murder is a species of Culpable Homicide.
II. All Culpable Homicides are Murders.
Choose the correct answer:
Q3. I. For Dacoity, 4 persons are required.
II. For Unlawful Assembly, 5 persons are required.
Which is/are correct?
Q4. I. Grievous Hurt has 8 specified categories under BNS.
II. A fracture is considered Grievous Hurt.
Which is/are correct?
Q5. I. Consent of a minor girl is relevant for kidnapping from lawful guardianship.
II. For abduction, there is no age limit.
Choose correct answer:
Q6. I. Robbery = Theft + Force/Fear.
II. Robbery can also be based on extortion.
Which is/are correct?
Q7. I. S.152 BNS is the exact equivalent of S.124A IPC (Sedition).
II. S.152 BNS deals with acts endangering sovereignty and integrity of India.
Which is/are correct?
Q8. I. In theft, the property must be moveable.
II. Immoveable property can also be the subject of theft.
Which is/are correct?
Q9. I. Cruelty by husband is a cognizable offence.
II. S.85 BNS corresponds to S.498A of old IPC.
Which is/are correct?
Q10. I. For criminal conspiracy, an overt act is essential.
II. For abetment by conspiracy, an act or illegal omission is essential.
Which is/are correct?
Q11. I. S.111 BNS covers organised crime syndicates.
II. S.112 BNS covers petty organised crime.
III. S.113 BNS covers terrorist acts.
Which are correct?
Q12. I. Common Intention under S.3(5) requires a prior meeting of minds.
II. Common Object under S.190 requires 5 or more persons.
Which is/are correct?
Q13. I. Defamation is only a civil wrong in India, not a criminal offence.
II. Defamation under BNS has 10 exceptions.
Which is/are correct?
Q14. I. CBT differs from theft because in CBT the property comes into possession lawfully first.
II. CBT by a public servant is punished more severely than ordinary CBT.
Which is/are correct?
Q15. I. S.106(2) BNS is a new provision not present in old IPC.
II. S.106(2) covers hit-and-run cases where the driver flees.
Which is/are correct?
Q16. I. Gang Rape under BNS carries minimum RI 20 years.
II. Rape of a woman above 18 years carries minimum RI 7 years.
Which is/are correct?
Q17. I. House Trespass is more serious than Criminal Trespass.
II. House Breaking is less serious than House Trespass.
Which is/are correct?
Q18. I. Wrongful Restraint is restricting movement in all directions.
II. Wrongful Confinement is restricting movement within a circumscribed space.
Which is/are correct?
Q19. I. BNS 2023 received Presidential assent on 1 July 2024.
II. BNS came into force on 1 July 2024.
Which is/are correct?
Q20. I. Mischief requires intention to cause wrongful loss or damage.
II. Mischief can be committed on property in one's own possession.
Which is/are correct?
Q21. I. For extortion, physical presence of the offender is necessary.
II. Extortion can be committed through letters or messages.
Which is/are correct?
Q22. I. Forgery of valuable security carries RI up to 10 years.
II. Using a forged document carries the same punishment as making it.
Which is/are correct?
Q23. I. Abetment by instigation requires an active act or words.
II. Silence can never constitute abetment.
Which is/are correct?
Q24. I. Rioting requires actual use of force or violence.
II. Being a member of an unlawful assembly which riots makes every member guilty.
Which is/are correct?
Q25. I. Dowry Death requires death within 10 years of marriage.
II. A presumption of Dowry Death can be raised in court if ingredients are established.
Which is/are correct?
📝 Short Answer Questions
Q1. What is the difference between Culpable Homicide and Murder under BNS 2023?
Q2. What are the essential ingredients of Theft under BNS 2023?
Q3. Explain 'Abetment' under BNS 2023 with the three modes.
Q4. What is the significance of S.111 (Organised Crime) in BNS 2023?
Q5. What is 'Criminal Breach of Trust'? How is it different from Theft?
Q6. What is Extortion? How does it differ from Robbery?
Q7. List the 8 categories of Grievous Hurt under BNS 2023.
Q8. Explain the new offence of Hit and Run under BNS 2023.
Q9. What is the significance of S.152 BNS compared to old IPC S.124A (Sedition)?
Q10. Explain 'Rape' under BNS 2023. What are the seven circumstances?
Q11. What are the exceptions to the offence of Defamation under BNS?
Q12. What is the difference between Wrongful Restraint and Wrongful Confinement?
Q13. What is 'Dacoity'? How is it different from Robbery?
Q14. Explain the concept of Common Intention (S.3(5)) in BNS 2023.
Q15. What is 'Forgery' under BNS? What are the aggravated forms?
Q16. What is 'Criminal Conspiracy' under BNS? How does it differ from Abetment by Conspiracy?
Q17. What is 'Dowry Death' under BNS? What is the significance of 7 years?
Q18. What is 'Trafficking of Persons' under BNS? Who are particularly protected?
Q19. Explain the offence of Cheating under BNS with its aggravated forms.
Q20. What are the new offences introduced in BNS 2023 that were NOT present in IPC?
📄 Descriptive / Long Answer Questions
Q1. Write a detailed essay on "Offences Against the Human Body under BNS 2023 with special reference to Sexual Offences."
Q2. Critically examine the law relating to "Property Offences under BNS 2023" with special emphasis on the distinction between Theft, Robbery, and Dacoity.
Q3. Discuss "Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy, and Common Intention" under BNS 2023. How are they distinct from each other?
Q4. Analyse the new provisions introduced in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 that were not present in the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
Q5. Write a detailed note on the law relating to Rape under BNS 2023. How has BNS improved on the IPC provisions?
Q6. Explain the provisions relating to Forgery and electronic records under BNS 2023.
Q7. "The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 represents a paradigm shift in India's criminal jurisprudence." Critically evaluate.
Q8. Discuss offences against the State under BNS 2023 and compare them with corresponding IPC provisions.
Q9. Discuss the provisions for protection of women and children under BNS 2023 in detail.
Q10. Write a comprehensive note on "Punishments under BNS 2023" including the new concept of community service.
🔥 AIBE Quick Revision Zone
🔢 Critical Numbers
- 358 – Sections in BNS 2023
- 511 – Sections in old IPC 1860
- 5 – Persons for Unlawful Assembly (S.189)
- 5 – Persons for Dacoity (S.310)
- 8 – Categories of Grievous Hurt (S.114)
- 10 – Exceptions to Defamation (S.356)
- 7 – Years for Dowry Death timeline (S.80)
- 7 – Years exception for Bigamy (S.82)
- 18 – Female minor age for kidnapping (S.137)
- 16 – Male minor age for kidnapping (S.137)
- 20 – Days for severe pain = Grievous Hurt
- 1 July 2024 – BNS came into force
📌 Section Numbers (Must Know)
- S.3(5) – Common Intention
- S.45 – Abetment
- S.61 – Criminal Conspiracy
- S.62 – Attempt
- S.63 – Rape
- S.70 – Gang Rape
- S.80 – Dowry Death
- S.82 – Bigamy
- S.85 – Cruelty by husband
- S.100 – Culpable Homicide
- S.101 – Murder
- S.103 – Punishment for Murder
- S.106(2) – Hit and Run (NEW)
- S.111 – Organised Crime (NEW)
- S.112 – Petty Organised Crime (NEW)
- S.113 – Terrorist Act (NEW)
- S.124 – Acid Attack
- S.126 – Wrongful Restraint
- S.127 – Wrongful Confinement
- S.130 – Criminal Force
- S.131 – Assault
- S.137 – Kidnapping
- S.143 – Trafficking
- S.147 – Waging War
- S.152 – Acts vs Sovereignty (new S.124A)
- S.189 – Unlawful Assembly
- S.191 – Rioting
- S.303 – Theft
- S.308 – Extortion
- S.309 – Robbery
- S.310 – Dacoity
- S.314 – Criminal Misappropriation
- S.316 – CBT
- S.318 – Cheating
- S.324 – Mischief
- S.329 – Criminal Trespass
- S.335 – Forgery
- S.351 – Criminal Intimidation
- S.356 – Defamation
⚠️ AIBE Trap Points
- All murders are CL, not all CL are murders
- Robbery = 1-4 persons + force; Dacoity = 5+ persons
- Consent of minor girl irrelevant for kidnapping
- Abduction = no age limit; force/deceit needed
- In theft = property TAKEN; in extortion = property DELIVERED
- CBT: lawful possession first, then misappropriation
- Criminal conspiracy = agreement alone (no act needed)
- Abetment by conspiracy: needs an overt act too
- S.106(2) hit-and-run is NEW (not in IPC)
- S.111 organised crime is NEW (not in IPC)
- S.152 ≠ S.124A IPC (sedition); reformulated
- House Breaking ≠ House Trespass (force/false key needed for HB)
- Grievous Hurt: exactly 8 categories (not 7, not 10)
- Defamation: 10 exceptions (not 5 or 8)
- Gang Rape: min RI 20 years (not 10)
- Rape: min RI 10 years (not 7)
- Dowry Death: 7 years, not 5 or 10
- Community Service = new punishment type in BNS
- BNS has 358 sections (IPC had 511)
- BNS came into force 1 July 2024 (assent 25 Dec 2023)
🆕 NEW in BNS (Not in IPC)
- S.111 – Organised Crime
- S.112 – Petty Organised Crime
- S.113 – Terrorist Act
- S.106(2) – Hit and Run (rash driving + escape)
- Community Service as punishment
- Electronic Records expressly included in forgery offences
- S.152 – Acts endangering sovereignty (replacing S.124A IPC sedition)
- Comprehensive standalone Trafficking provision (S.143)
⚠️ Disclaimer
This resource is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is based on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Bare Act) and is prepared to assist LL.B. students and Bar exam aspirants with their AIBE 2026 preparation. All section references, provisions, and explanations are based on the official text of the BNS 2023. Students are advised to verify section numbers and provisions with the official Bare Act text. The MCQs in this module are practice questions created for educational purposes and are not represented as actual past AIBE questions unless separately specified. This material is prepared by Amanuddin Education / Digital E-Filing Coach, Haldia, West Bengal. For legal advice on any specific matter, please consult a qualified advocate.
© 2025 Amanuddin Education. All rights reserved. Prepared by CA & LL.B. Amanuddin Mallick, M.No. 308781, FRN: 329202E.
