India’s criminal justice system was transformed on 1 July 2024 with the enforcement of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (replacing the 163-year-old IPC), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (replacing CrPC), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (replacing the Indian Evidence Act). The BNS streamlines justice into 358 sections across 20 chapters (down from IPC’s 511 sections and 23 chapters), introduces 20 new offences, deletes 19 outdated provisions, enhances imprisonment in 33 cases, increases fines in 83 cases, adds mandatory minimum punishments in 23 offences, and introduces community service in 6 petty offences.
The shift from “danda” (punishment) to “nyaya” (justice) is evident: victim-centric, tech-driven (via BNSS timelines and forensics), and rooted in Indian values. This exhaustive blog provides chapter-wise definitions and exact punishments for all major and notable crimes under BNS. While not every minor procedural clause is reproduced verbatim (refer to the official Gazette for the full 102-page text), every substantive offence category is covered with precise section references, definitions, and penalties. New offences are bolded. Comparisons to IPC are noted for context.
1. BNS Structure at a Glance (20 Chapters)
- Chapter I: Preliminary (Sections 1–3)
- Chapter II: Of Punishments (Sections 4–13)
- Chapter III: General Exceptions (Sections 14–44)
- Chapter IV: Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy and Attempt (Sections 45–62)
- Chapter V: Offences Against Woman and Child (Sections 63–99) – Consolidated for the first time
- Chapter VI: Offences Affecting the Human Body (Sections 100–158)
- Chapter VII: Offences Against the State (Sections 159–168)
- Chapter VIII: Offences Relating to the Army, Navy and Air Force (Sections 169–173)
- Chapter IX: Offences Relating to Elections (Sections 174–182)
- Chapter X: Offences Relating to Coin, Currency-Notes, Bank-Notes and Government Stamps (Sections 183–199)
- Chapter XI: Offences Against Public Tranquillity (Sections 200–215)
- Chapter XII: Offences by or Relating to Public Servants (Sections 216–229)
- Chapter XIII: Contempts of the Lawful Authority of Public Servants (Sections 230–250)
- Chapter XIV: False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice (Sections 251–281)
- Chapter XV: Offences Affecting Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals (Sections 282–298)
- Chapter XVI: Offences Relating to Religion (Sections 299–302)
- Chapter XVII: Offences Against Property (Sections 303–338)
- Chapter XVIII: Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks (Sections 339–350)
- Chapter XIX: Criminal Intimidation, Insult, Annoyance, Defamation, etc. (Sections 351–358)
- Chapter XX: Repeal and Savings (Section 358)
Punishments under BNS (Chapter II, Section 4): Death; Imprisonment for life (remainder of natural life in many cases); Rigorous/Simple Imprisonment; Forfeiture of property; Fine; Community Service (new – for petty offences like theft < ₹5,000, defamation, public nuisance, etc.). Fines are significantly higher; repeat offenders face enhanced penalties.
BNSS complements this with mandatory timelines (charge-sheet in 90 days for most cases, judgment in 45 days), forensic investigation for offences punishable with 7+ years, e-FIRs, and victim compensation funds – ensuring punishments are swift and certain.
2. Chapter V: Offences Against Woman and Child (Sections 63–99) – Fully Consolidated
Sexual Offences
- Section 63: Rape – Penetration (penis, object, body part, mouth) without consent, against will, or with minor (<18). Punishment: Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) 10 years to life + fine (paid to victim).
- Section 64(2): Rape on woman <16 – RI not <20 years to life + fine.
- Section 65: Rape causing death/vegetative state or on woman <12 – RI not <20 years to life or death + fine.
- Section 66: Gang rape – RI not <20 years to life (or death if victim <18) + fine.
- Section 67: Sexual intercourse with separated wife without consent – 2–7 years + fine.
- Section 68: Sexual intercourse by person in authority/fiduciary relation (e.g., public servant, doctor) – RI 5–10 years + fine.
- Section 69 (New – Deceitful sexual intercourse): Sexual intercourse by deceit (false promise of marriage, employment, promotion, or suppressing identity) – up to 10 years + fine.
- Section 70: Gang rape on woman <18 – RI not <20 years to life or death + fine.
- Section 71: Repeat offender – Imprisonment for life (remainder of natural life).
- Sections 72–73: Disclosure of victim identity / publishing court proceedings without permission – up to 2 years + fine.
Other Offences Against Women/Children
- Section 74–79: Assault/criminal force to outrage modesty (74), sexual harassment (75), disrobing (76), voyeurism (77), stalking (78), insulting modesty by words/gestures (79) – 1–7 years + fine (enhanced in many).
- Section 80: Dowry death – 7 years to life.
- Section 81–85: Cruelty by husband/relatives, kidnapping/abduction of woman/child, procuration, selling/buying minor for prostitution (mandatory minimum 7–14 years).
- Section 95 (New): Hiring/employing child to commit offence – same punishment as the offence committed.
- Section 96–99: Exploitation of trafficked person, etc. – enhanced penalties with mandatory minimums.
3. Chapter VI: Offences Affecting the Human Body (Sections 100–158)
Culpable Homicide & Murder
- Section 100: Culpable homicide (definition retained).
- Section 101: Murder (definition).
- Section 103(1): Punishment for murder – Death or life imprisonment + fine.
- Section 103(2) (New – Mob Lynching): Murder/grievous hurt by 5+ persons acting in concert on grounds of race, caste, community, sex, language, belief, etc. – Death or life + fine (minimum 7 years in some cases).
- Section 105: Culpable homicide not amounting to murder – Life or 10 years + fine (mandatory minimum introduced).
- Section 106: Causing death by negligence (hit-and-run aggravated) – 2–5 years; Section 106(2) (New): Rash/negligent driving + fleeing – up to 10 years + fine.
Hurt & Grievous Hurt
- Section 114: Hurt (definition).
- Section 115: Punishment for hurt – up to 1 year or fine (enhanced).
- Section 117: Grievous hurt – up to 7 years + fine.
- Section 117(4) (New): Grievous hurt by group (5+) on discriminatory grounds – up to 7 years + fine.
- Section 118: Grievous hurt by dangerous weapons/acid – higher mandatory minimums.
Other Key Offences
- Kidnapping/abduction (Sections 137–146): Enhanced for ransom, maiming child for begging (mandatory minimum).
- Abetment of suicide (107): Up to 10 years.
- Attempt to suicide to restrain public servant (Section 226 – New) – Community service or simple imprisonment up to 1 year + fine.
4. Chapter VII: Offences Against the State (Sections 159–168) + Related New Offences
- Section 111 (New – Organised Crime): Continuing unlawful activity by syndicate (extortion, land grabbing, cyber fraud, contract killing) using violence/intimidation.
- Resulting in death: Death or life + fine ≥ ₹10 lakh.
- Other cases: 5 years to life + fine ≥ ₹5 lakh.
- Abetment, membership, harbouring, possessing proceeds: 3–10 years + fines (₹1–5 lakh).
- Section 112 (New – Petty Organised Crime): Gang-based theft, snatching, cheating, illegal gambling/tickets, selling exam papers – 1–7 years + fine.
- Section 113 (New – Terrorist Act): Acts threatening sovereignty/security/economic security with explosives, firearms, etc.
- Resulting in death: Death or life + fine.
- Other: 5 years to life + fine.
- Abetment/training/camps: Same slab.
- Section 152 (New – Acts endangering sovereignty, unity & integrity): Exciting secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities via words/signs/electronic means – Life or up to 7 years + fine (replaces sedition).
5. Chapter XVII: Offences Against Property (Sections 303–338) – Most Commonly Used
- Theft (303–306): Up to 3 years or fine; petty theft (<₹5,000, first offence) – Community service possible.
- Section 304 (New – Snatching): Sudden forcible seizure – up to 3 years + fine.
- Extortion (308): 3–10 years + fine (enhanced slabs).
- Robbery (309–310): 10 years RI + fine; with murder – death/life.
- Dacoity (310–314): Life or 10 years RI + fine.
- Criminal breach of trust, cheating, mischief: Fines increased; imprisonment enhanced in 10+ cases.
- Sections 315–338: House-breaking, receiving stolen property, etc. – punishments rationalised with higher fines.
6. Other Important Chapters (Summarised Key Offences)
Chapter IX (Elections): Bribery, personation, undue influence – up to 2–5 years + fine. Chapter XI (Public Tranquillity): Unlawful assembly, rioting (enhanced), promoting enmity – up to 3–7 years. Chapter XV (Public Health/Morals): Public nuisance, obscenity, rash driving – fines heavily increased; community service option. Chapter XVI (Religion): Injuring/defiling place of worship – up to 2–5 years (enhanced). Chapter XIX (Intimidation/Defamation): Criminal intimidation (351) – up to 2 years; Defamation (356) – up to 2 years or fine or community service (new).
Abetment/Conspiracy/Attempt (Chapter IV): Punished same as main offence; new provision for abetment outside India (Section 48).
Deleted Offences: Sedition, adultery, unnatural offences (Section 377 IPC).
7. How BNSS Ensures Effective Punishment
- Mandatory forensics for 7+ year offences.
- Timelines: Investigation updates to victim every 90 days; charge framing in 60 days; judgment in 30–45 days.
- Zero FIR, e-proceedings, audio-video searches, trials in absentia for proclaimed offenders.
- Bail reforms: Default bail after 1/3 sentence for first-timers (exceptions for serious crimes).
- Victim rights: Compensation, medical aid within 7 days for sexual offences.
Impacts & Implementation (2024–2026)
These laws have already led to faster disposals and higher deterrence in pilot states. Challenges remain in training and infrastructure, but the framework is modern, victim-focused, and future-ready for cyber, organised, and hate crimes.
Official Resources: Full BNS PDF (Ministry of Law & Justice / India Code), BPR&D Handbook. Always consult a lawyer for case-specific advice – laws evolve via judgments.
