The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. It is a modern criminal law of India, passed to remove colonial legacy and focus more on justice rather than just punishment. It includes new crimes like mob lynching and terrorism and promotes technology-based justice, faster trials, and victim rights.
Key highlights:
- IPC repealed; BNS has 358 sections.
- Emphasis on digital evidence and speedy justice.
- Introduces crimes like terrorism, mob lynching, and hate crimes.
- Zero FIR, online police complaint, and charge-sheet time limit.
- Gender-neutral laws in many offenses.
15 FAQs on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Q: What is Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?
A: It’s the new Indian criminal law that replaces the IPC, 1860.
Q: When will BNS 2023 come into effect?
A: From 1st July 2024.
Q: What law did BNS replace?
A: The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.
Q: Why was the IPC replaced?
A: To remove colonial laws and make justice faster, fairer, and more modern.
Q: What are the new crimes added?
A: Terrorism, mob lynching, hate speech, and organized crime.
Q: Is there any change in sedition law?
A: Yes, Section 124A (sedition) is removed and replaced with new provisions on anti-national acts.
Q: What is Zero FIR in BNS?
A: You can file an FIR at any police station, not just where the crime occurred.
Q: What is the time limit for investigation?
A: Police must file a charge sheet within 90 days, extendable to 180 days with permission.
Q: Is digital evidence allowed?
A: Yes, digital and electronic evidence is fully admissible.
Q: Can victims track their cases?
A: Yes, victims will get digital updates of case progress.
Q: What is the punishment for mob lynching?
A: Life imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on severity.
Q: Is there a definition of terrorism in BNS?
A: Yes, terrorism is clearly defined for the first time in Indian criminal law.
Q: Is BNS gender-neutral?
A: In many offenses like sexual assault, stalking, etc., laws are made more inclusive.
Q: What about community service punishment?
A: Yes, for minor offenses, courts can give community service instead of jail.
Q: Where can I read the full BNS Act?
A: On the Ministry of Law & Justice website or India Code portal.
Q: Is adultery still a crime under BNS?
A: No, adultery is decriminalized, same as before.
Q: What is the punishment for rape under BNS?
A: 10 years to life imprisonment, depending on the case, the same as IPC but with improved procedures.
Q: Are trial timelines mentioned in BNS?
A: Yes, courts should try to complete trials within 2 years in serious cases.
Q: How is BNS different from IPC in language?
A: BNS uses simpler and more modern Hindi-English terms, replacing colonial terms.
Q: Are there new rules for hit-and-run cases?
A: Yes, strict punishment (up to 10 years in jail) if the driver flees without informing or helping.
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