Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – New Criminal Law
Overview
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 is India's new criminal law that replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.
It aims to bring speed, transparency, victim rights, and technology into India's criminal justice system — moving away from colonial-era punishments toward justice-based outcomes.
Note: Cases registered before 1 July 2024 or already under trial will continue under IPC, not under the new BNS.
Major Changes at a Glance
| Aspect | IPC (1860) | BNS (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Law Focus | Colonial, punishment-based | Justice- and victim-focused |
| Structure | 511 sections | 358 simplified sections |
| Language | Archaic English terms | Plain bilingual (Hindi-English) |
| New Crimes | Not defined | Adds terrorism, mob lynching, hate crimes, organised crime |
| Sedition | Section 124A (Sedition) | Replaced with Section 152—Acts against sovereignty & integrity |
| FIR Rules | FIR only at local station | Zero FIR—can file anywhere |
| Technology | Limited use | Full recognition of digital & electronic evidence |
| Investigation Time | 90–180 days (not enforced strictly) | Strict charge-sheet timelines |
| Victim Rights | Minimal | The victim can track case status digitally |
| Minor Offenses | Jail terms | Option for community service |
| Hit-and-Run | Weak penalty | Up to 10 years imprisonment |
| Mob Lynching | Not defined | Life imprisonment/death penalty |
| Trial Timeline | No fixed duration | Aim to finish within 2 years |
| Gender Neutrality | Mostly male-offender centric | Gender-neutral in many sexual offences |
Key Highlights of BNS 2023
- Justice-first approach: Prioritises the victim's rights, digital evidence, and fair trials.
- Modern crimes included terrorism, mob lynching, organized crime, and hate speech.
- Digital policing: E-FIRs, digital case tracking, and online charge-sheet submission.
- Community service: Introduced as an alternative to minor imprisonment.
- Simplified law: 358 clear, reorganized sections replacing 511 IPC provisions.
Implementation Across India
| State / UT | Effective From | Status |
|---|---|---|
| All Indian States | 1 July 2024 | In force |
| Union Territories | 1 July 2024 | In force |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 1 July 2024 | In force |
FAQs on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
-
Q1. What is the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023?
-
It's the new criminal law of India that replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
-
Q2. When did it come into effect?
-
From 1st July 2024, across all states and union territories.
-
Q3. Why was the IPC replaced?
-
To remove colonial intent and make the law people-centric — focusing on justice, technology, and victims.
-
Q4. What are the new crimes added?
-
Terrorism, mob lynching, hate speech, organised crime, and cyber offences.
-
Q5. Is sedition law removed?
-
Yes, IPC's Section 124A (sedition) is scrapped. BNS introduces Section 150, penalising acts that threaten India's sovereignty and unity.
-
Q6. What is Zero FIR under BNS?
-
You can now file an FIR at any police station, regardless of where the offence occurred.
-
Q7. What's the time limit for investigations?
-
Police must submit the charge sheet within 90 days, extendable to 180 days in serious cases.
-
Q8. Does BNS allow digital evidence?
-
Yes, digital and electronic records are fully admissible.
-
Q9. What's the punishment for mob lynching?
-
Life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on severity.
-
Q10. Is BNS gender-neutral?
-
Yes, several offences (like stalking, sexual harassment) now cover all genders.
-
Q11. What about minor crimes?
-
Courts can order community service instead of short imprisonment.
-
Q12. What is the punishment for hit-and-run under BNS?
-
If a driver flees after causing death without informing or helping — up to 10 years imprisonment.
-
Q13. What are victims' rights under BNS?
-
Victims can digitally track their case and must be informed of progress.
-
Q14. Is adultery still a crime?
-
No, it remains decriminalised.
-
Q15. What's the punishment for rape under BNS?
-
10 years to life imprisonment, depending on the case.
-
Q16. Are there time limits for trials?
-
Yes, serious cases should finish within 2 years as per BNS guidance.
-
Q17. Is BNS applicable in all states?
-
Yes, except Jammu & Kashmir, where it applies through separate notification after integration with UT laws.
-
Q18. Can I access BNS in Hindi?
-
Yes, available in Hindi and English on the India Code portal.
-
Q19. What is meant by community service in BNS?
-
An offender may be asked to serve society instead of going to jail for petty offences.
-
Q20. Where can I read or download the full Act?
-
At https://www.indiacode.nic.in → Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Add new comment