Skip to main content

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Central

An Act to consolidate and amend the provisions relating to offences and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Act number
45 of 2023
Ministry
Ministry of Home Affairs
Department
Department of Internal Security
Enacted
25 Dec 2023

Source: IndiaCode Portal, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. Open on India Code Check against the official text before relying on it.

358 sections

  1. Section 1Short title, commencement and application.
  2. Section 2Definitions.
  3. Section 3General explanations.
  4. Section 4Punishments.
  5. Section 5Commutation of sentence.
  6. Section 6Fractions of terms of punishment.
  7. Section 7Sentence may be (in certain cases of imprisonment) wholly or partly rigorous or simple.
  8. Section 8Amount of fine, liability in default of payment of fine, etc.
  9. Section 9Limit of punishment of offence made up of several offences.
  10. Section 10Punishment of person guilty of one of several offences, judgment stating that it is doubtful of which.
  11. Section 11Solitary confinement.
  12. Section 12Limit of solitary confinement.
  13. Section 13Enhanced punishment for certain offences after previous conviction.
  14. Section 14Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law.
  15. Section 15Act of Judge when acting judicially.
  16. Section 16Act done pursuant to judgment or order of Court.
  17. Section 17Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself justified, by law.
  18. Section 18Accident in doing a lawful act.
  19. Section 19Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harm.
  20. Section 20Act of a child under seven years of age.
  21. Section 21Act of a child above seven and under twelve years of age of immature understanding.
  22. Section 22Act of a person of unsound mind.
  23. Section 23Act of a person incapable of judgment by reason of intoxication caused against his will.
  24. Section 24Offence requiring a particular intent or knowledge committed by one who is intoxicated.
  25. Section 25Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent.
  26. Section 26Act not intended to cause death, done by consent in good faith for person's benefit.
  27. Section 27Act done in good faith for benefit of child or person of unsound mind, by, or by consent of guardian.
  28. Section 28Consent known to be given under fear or misconception.
  29. Section 29Exclusion of acts which are offences independently of harm caused.
  30. Section 30Act done in good faith for benefit of a person without consent.
  31. Section 31Communication made in good faith.
  32. Section 32Act to which a person is compelled by threats.
  33. Section 33Act causing slight harm.
  34. Section 34Things done in private defence.
  35. Section 35Right of private defence of body and of property.
  36. Section 36Right of private defence against act of a person of unsound mind, etc.
  37. Section 37Acts against which there is no right of private defence.
  38. Section 38When right of private defence of body extends to causing death.
  39. Section 39When such right extends to causing any harm other than death.
  40. Section 40Commencement and continuance of right of private defence of body.
  41. Section 41When right of private defence of property extends to causing death.
  42. Section 42When such right extends to causing any harm other than death.
  43. Section 43Commencement and continuance of right of private defence of property.
  44. Section 44Right of private defence against deadly assault when there is risk of harm to innocent person.
  45. Section 45Abetment of a thing.
  46. Section 46Abettor.
  47. Section 47Abetment in India of offences outside India.
  48. Section 48Abetment outside India for offence in India.
  49. Section 49Punishment of abetment if act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment.
  50. Section 50Punishment of abetment if person abetted does act with different intention from that of abettor.
  51. Section 51Liability of abettor when one act abetted and different act done.
  52. Section 52Abettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act done.
  53. Section 53Liability of abettor for an effect caused by act abetted different from that intended by abettor.
  54. Section 54Abettor present when offence is committed.
  55. Section 55Abetment of offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life.
  56. Section 56Abetment of offence punishable with imprisonment.
  57. Section 57Abetting commission of offence by public or by more than ten persons.
  58. Section 58Concealing design to commit offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life.
  59. Section 59Public servant concealing design to commit offence which it is his duty to prevent.
  60. Section 60Concealing design to commit offence punishable with imprisonment.
  61. Section 61Criminal conspiracy.
  62. Section 62Punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment.
  63. Section 63Rape.
  64. Section 64Punishment for rape.
  65. Section 65Punishment for rape in certain cases.
  66. Section 66Punishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim.
  67. Section 67Sexual intercourse by husband upon his wife during separation.
  68. Section 68Sexual intercourse by a person in authority.
  69. Section 69Sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means, etc.
  70. Section 70Gang rape.
  71. Section 71Punishment for repeat offenders.
  72. Section 72Disclosure of identity of victim of certain offences, etc.
  73. Section 73Printing or publishing any matter relating to Court proceedings without permission.
  74. Section 74Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
  75. Section 75Sexual harassment.
  76. Section 76Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe.
  77. Section 77Voyeurism.
  78. Section 78Stalking.
  79. Section 79Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman.
  80. Section 80Dowry death.
  81. Section 81Cohabitation caused by man deceitfully inducing belief of lawful marriage.
  82. Section 82Marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife.
  83. Section 83Marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage.
  84. Section 84Enticing or taking away or detaining with criminal intent a married woman.
  85. Section 85Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty.
  86. Section 86Cruelty defined.
  87. Section 87Kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc.
  88. Section 88Causing miscarriage.
  89. Section 89Causing miscarriage without woman's consent.
  90. Section 90Death caused by act done with intent to cause miscarriage.
  91. Section 91Act done with intent to prevent child being born alive or to cause to die after birth.
  92. Section 92Causing death of quick unborn child by act amounting to culpable homicide.
  93. Section 93Exposure and abandonment of child under twelve years of age, by parent or person having care of it.
  94. Section 94Concealment of birth by secret disposal of dead body.
  95. Section 95Hiring, employing or engaging a child to commit an offence.
  96. Section 96Procuration of child.
  97. Section 97Kidnapping or abducting child under ten years of age with intent to steal from its person.
  98. Section 98Selling child for purposes of prostitution, etc.
  99. Section 99Buying child for purposes of prostitution, etc.
  100. Section 100Culpable homicide.
  101. Section 101Murder.
  102. Section 102Culpable homicide by causing death of person other than person whose death was intended.
  103. Section 103Punishment for murder.
  104. Section 104Punishment for murder by life-convict.
  105. Section 105Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
  106. Section 106Causing death by negligence.
  107. Section 107Abetment of suicide of child or person of unsound mind.
  108. Section 108Abetment of suicide.
  109. Section 109Attempt to murder.
  110. Section 110Attempt to commit culpable homicide.
  111. Section 111Organised crime.
  112. Section 112Petty organised crime.
  113. Section 113Terrorist act.
  114. Section 114Hurt.
  115. Section 115Voluntarily causing hurt.
  116. Section 116Grievous hurt.
  117. Section 117Voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
  118. Section 118Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
  119. Section 119Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act.
  120. Section 120Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property.
  121. Section 121Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty.
  122. Section 122Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt on provocation.
  123. Section 123Causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence.
  124. Section 124Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc.
  125. Section 125Act endangering life or personal safety of others.
  126. Section 126Wrongful restraint.
  127. Section 127Wrongful confinement.
  128. Section 128Force.
  129. Section 129Criminal force.
  130. Section 130Assault.
  131. Section 131Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation.
  132. Section 132Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty.
  133. Section 133Assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person, otherwise than on grave provocation.
  134. Section 134Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person.
  135. Section 135Assault or criminal force in attempt to wrongfully confine a person.
  136. Section 136Assault or criminal force on grave provocation.
  137. Section 137Kidnapping.
  138. Section 138Abduction.
  139. Section 139Kidnapping or maiming a child for purposes of begging.
  140. Section 140Kidnapping or abducting in order to murder or for ransom, etc.
  141. Section 141Importation of girl or boy from foreign country.
  142. Section 142Wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement, kidnapped or abducted person.
  143. Section 143Trafficking of person.
  144. Section 144Exploitation of a trafficked person.
  145. Section 145Habitual dealing in slaves.
  146. Section 146Unlawful compulsory labour.
  147. Section 147Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against Government of India.
  148. Section 148Conspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 147.
  149. Section 149Collecting arms, etc., with intention of waging war against Government of India.
  150. Section 150Concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war.
  151. Section 151Assaulting President, Governor, etc., with intent to compel or restrain exercise of any lawful power.
  152. Section 152Act endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
  153. Section 153Waging war against Government of any foreign State at peace with Government of India.
  154. Section 154Committing depredation on territories of foreign State at peace with Government of India.
  155. Section 155Receiving property taken by war or depredation mentioned in sections 153 and 154.
  156. Section 156Public servant voluntarily allowing prisoner of State or war to escape.
  157. Section 157Public servant negligently suffering such prisoner to escape.
  158. Section 158Aiding escape of, rescuing or harbouring such prisoner.
  159. Section 159Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty.
  160. Section 160Abetment of mutiny, if mutiny is committed in consequence thereof.
  161. Section 161Abetment of assault by soldier, sailor or airman on his superior officer, when in execution of his office.
  162. Section 162Abetment of such assault, if assault committed.
  163. Section 163Abetment of desertion of soldier, sailor or airman.
  164. Section 164Harbouring deserter.
  165. Section 165Deserter concealed on board merchant vessel through negligence of master.
  166. Section 166Abetment of act of insubordination by soldier, sailor or airman.
  167. Section 167Persons subject to certain Acts.
  168. Section 168Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman.
  169. Section 169Candidate, electoral right defined.
  170. Section 170Bribery.
  171. Section 171Undue influence at elections.
  172. Section 172Personation at elections.
  173. Section 173Punishment for bribery.
  174. Section 174Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election.
  175. Section 175False statement in connection with an election.
  176. Section 176Illegal payments in connection with an election.
  177. Section 177Failure to keep election accounts.
  178. Section 178Counterfeiting coin, Government stamps, currency-notes or bank-notes.
  179. Section 179Using as genuine, forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-notes or bank-notes.
  180. Section 180Possession of forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-notes or bank-notes.
  181. Section 181Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting coin, Government stamp, currency-notes or bank-notes.
  182. Section 182Making or using documents resembling currency-notes or bank-notes.
  183. Section 183Effacing writing from substance bearing Government stamp, or removing from document a stamp used for it, with intent to cause loss to Government.
  184. Section 184Using Government stamp known to have been before used.
  185. Section 185Erasure of mark denoting that stamp has been used.
  186. Section 186Prohibition of fictitious stamps.
  187. Section 187Person employed in mint causing coin to be of different weight or composition from that fixed by law.
  188. Section 188Unlawfully taking coining instrument from mint.
  189. Section 189Unlawful assembly.
  190. Section 190Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object.
  191. Section 191Rioting.
  192. Section 192Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot-if rioting be committed; if not committed.
  193. Section 193Liability of owner, occupier, etc., of land on which an unlawful assembly or riot takes place.
  194. Section 194Affray.
  195. Section 195Assaulting or obstructing public servant when suppressing riot, etc.
  196. Section 196Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
  197. Section 197Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration.
  198. Section 198Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person.
  199. Section 199Public servant disobeying direction under law.
  200. Section 200Punishment for non-treatment of victim.
  201. Section 201Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injury.
  202. Section 202Public servant unlawfully engaging in trade.
  203. Section 203Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property.
  204. Section 204Personating a public servant.
  205. Section 205Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent.
  206. Section 206Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding.
  207. Section 207Preventing service of summons or other proceeding, or preventing publication thereof.
  208. Section 208Non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant.
  209. Section 209Non-appearance in response to a proclamation under section 84 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
  210. Section 210Omission to produce document or electronic record to public servant by person legally bound to produce it
  211. Section 211Omission to give notice or information to public servant by person legally bound to give it.
  212. Section 212Furnishing false information.
  213. Section 213Refusing oath or affirmation when duly required by public servant to make it.
  214. Section 214Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question.
  215. Section 215Refusing to sign statement.
  216. Section 216False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorised to administer an oath or affirmation.
  217. Section 217False information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to injury of another person.
  218. Section 218Resistance to taking of property by lawful authority of a public servant.
  219. Section 219Obstructing sale of property offered for sale by authority of public servant.
  220. Section 220Illegal purchase or bid for property offered for sale by authority of public servant.
  221. Section 221Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions.
  222. Section 222Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance.
  223. Section 223Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.
  224. Section 224Threat of injury to public servant.
  225. Section 225Threat of injury to induce person to refrain from applying for protection to public servant.
  226. Section 226Attempt to commit suicide to compel or restrain exercise of lawful power.
  227. Section 227Giving false evidence.
  228. Section 228Fabricating false evidence.
  229. Section 229Punishment for false evidence.
  230. Section 230Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of capital offence.
  231. Section 231Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of offence punishable with imprisonment for life or imprisonment.
  232. Section 232Threatening any person to give false evidence.
  233. Section 233Using evidence known to be false.
  234. Section 234Issuing or signing false certificate.
  235. Section 235Using as true a certificate known to be false.
  236. Section 236False statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence.
  237. Section 237Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false.
  238. Section 238Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender.
  239. Section 239Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform.
  240. Section 240Giving false information respecting an offence committed.
  241. Section 241Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence.
  242. Section 242False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution.
  243. Section 243Fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution.
  244. Section 244Fraudulent claim to property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution.
  245. Section 245Fraudulently suffering decree for sum not due.
  246. Section 246Dishonestly making false claim in Court.
  247. Section 247Fraudulently obtaining decree for sum not due.
  248. Section 248False charge of offence made with intent to injure.
  249. Section 249Harbouring offender.
  250. Section 250Taking gift, etc., to screen an offender from punishment.
  251. Section 251Offering gift or restoration of property in consideration of screening offender.
  252. Section 252Taking gift to help to recover stolen property, etc.
  253. Section 253Harbouring offender who has escaped from custody or whose apprehension has been ordered.
  254. Section 254Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits.
  255. Section 255Public servant disobeying direction of law with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture.
  256. Section 256Public servant framing incorrect record or writing with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture.
  257. Section 257Public servant in judicial proceeding corruptly making report, etc., contrary to law.
  258. Section 258Commitment for trial or confinement by person having authority who knows that he is acting contrary to law
  259. Section 259Intentional omission to apprehend on part of public servant bound to apprehend.
  260. Section 260Intentional omission to apprehend on part of public servant bound to apprehend person under sentence or lawfully committed.
  261. Section 261Escape from confinement or custody negligently suffered by public servant.
  262. Section 262Resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension.
  263. Section 263Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension of another person.
  264. Section 264Omission to apprehend, or sufferance of escape, on part of public servant, in cases not otherwise provided for
  265. Section 265Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension or escape or rescue in cases not otherwise provided for.
  266. Section 266Violation of condition of remission of punishment.
  267. Section 267Intentional insult or interruption to public servant sitting in judicial proceeding.
  268. Section 268Personation of assessor.
  269. Section 269Failure by person released on bail bond or bond to appear in Court.
  270. Section 270Public nuisance.
  271. Section 271Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.
  272. Section 272Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.
  273. Section 273Disobedience to quarantine rule.
  274. Section 274Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale.
  275. Section 275Sale of noxious food or drink.
  276. Section 276Adulteration of drugs.
  277. Section 277Sale of adulterated drugs.
  278. Section 278Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation.
  279. Section 279Fouling water of public spring or reservoir.
  280. Section 280Making atmosphere noxious to health.
  281. Section 281Rash driving or riding on a public way.
  282. Section 282Rash navigation of vessel.
  283. Section 283Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy.
  284. Section 284Conveying person by water for hire in unsafe or overloaded vessel.
  285. Section 285Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation.
  286. Section 286Negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance.
  287. Section 287Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter.
  288. Section 288Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance.
  289. Section 289Negligent conduct with respect to machinery.
  290. Section 290Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down, repairing or constructing buildings, etc.
  291. Section 291Negligent conduct with respect to animal.
  292. Section 292Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for.
  293. Section 293Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue.
  294. Section 294Sale, etc., of obscene books, etc.
  295. Section 295Sale, etc., of obscene objects to child.
  296. Section 296Obscene acts and songs.
  297. Section 297Keeping lottery office.
  298. Section 298Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult religion of any class.
  299. Section 299Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.
  300. Section 300Disturbing religious assembly.
  301. Section 301Trespassing on burial places, etc.
  302. Section 302Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings of any person.
  303. Section 303Theft.
  304. Section 304Snatching.
  305. Section 305Theft in a dwelling house, or means of transportation or place of worship, etc.
  306. Section 306Theft by clerk or servant of property in possession of master.
  307. Section 307Theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt or restraint in order to committing of theft.
  308. Section 308Extortion.
  309. Section 309Robbery.
  310. Section 310Dacoity.
  311. Section 311Robbery, or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt.
  312. Section 312Attempt to commit robbery or dacoity when armed with deadly weapon.
  313. Section 313Punishment for belonging to gang of robbers, etc.
  314. Section 314Dishonest misappropriation of property.
  315. Section 315Dishonest misappropriation of property possessed by deceased person at the time of his death.
  316. Section 316Criminal breach of trust.
  317. Section 317Stolen property.
  318. Section 318Cheating.
  319. Section 319Cheating by personation.
  320. Section 320Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent distribution among creditors.
  321. Section 321Dishonestly or fraudulently preventing debt being available for creditors.
  322. Section 322Dishonest or fraudulent execution of deed of transfer containing false statement of consideration.
  323. Section 323Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property.
  324. Section 324Mischief.
  325. Section 325Mischief by killing or maiming animal.
  326. Section 326Mischief by injury, inundation, fire or explosive substance, etc.
  327. Section 327Mischief with intent to destroy or make unsafe a rail, aircraft, decked vessel or one of twenty tons burden.
  328. Section 328Punishment for intentionally running vessel aground or ashore with intent to commit theft, etc.
  329. Section 329Criminal trespass and house-trespass.
  330. Section 330House-trespass and hous-ebreaking.
  331. Section 331Punishment for house-trespass or house-breaking.
  332. Section 332House-trespass in order to commit offence.
  333. Section 333House-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint.
  334. Section 334Dishonestly breaking open receptacle containing property.
  335. Section 335Making a false document.
  336. Section 336Forgery.
  337. Section 337Forgery of record of Court or of public register, etc.
  338. Section 338Forgery of valuable security, will, etc.
  339. Section 339Having possession of document described in section 337 or section 338, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine.
  340. Section 340Forged document or electronic record and using it as genuine.
  341. Section 341Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 338.
  342. Section 342Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 338, or possessing counterfeit marked material.
  343. Section 343Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security.
  344. Section 344Falsification of accounts.
  345. Section 345Property mark.
  346. Section 346Tampering with property mark with intent to cause injury.
  347. Section 347Counterfeiting a property mark.
  348. Section 348Making or possession of any instrument for counterfeiting a property mark.
  349. Section 349Selling goods marked with a counterfeit property mark.
  350. Section 350Making a false mark upon any receptacle containing goods.
  351. Section 351Criminal intimidation.
  352. Section 352Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.
  353. Section 353Statements conducing to public mischief.
  354. Section 354Act caused by inducing person to believe that he will be rendered an object of Divine displeasure.
  355. Section 355Misconduct in public by a drunken person.
  356. Section 356Defamation.
  357. Section 357Breach of contract to attend on and supply wants of helpless person.
  358. Section 358Repeal and savings.