Important sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) along with key points:

Important sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) along with key points:

Chapter-wise Important Sections of BNS, 2023

General Principles & Definitions

• Section 1 – Short title, extent, and commencement

• Section 2 – Definitions (similar to IPC, but some terms updated)

• Section 3 – Punishment of offenses committed beyond India but by Indian citizens

General Exceptions (Defense to Criminal Liability)

• Section 20 – Act done by a child below 7 years is not an offense

• Section 21 – Act done by a child above 7 but below 12, considering maturity

• Section 24 – Right of private defense (self-defense provisions)

• Section 25 – Right of private defense extending to causing death in certain cases

Offenses Against the State

• Section 111 – Waging war against the Government of India

• Section 113 – Sedition (modified from IPC; now called "acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India")

Offenses Affecting Public Tranquility

• Section 120 – Unlawful assembly

• Section 123 – Rioting with deadly weapons

• Section 126 – Promoting enmity between different groups

Offenses Against Human Body

Homicide & Hurt

• Section 101 – Murder (Similar to IPC Section 302)

• Section 102 – Culpable homicide not amounting to murder

• Section 106 – Death by rash or negligent act (similar to IPC 304A)

• Section 113 – Acid attack & attempt to acid attack (New category with stricter punishment)

Kidnapping & Wrongful Confinement

• Section 134 – Kidnapping & abduction

• Section 135 – Kidnapping from lawful guardianship

• Section 136 – Kidnapping for ransom

Offenses Against Women & Children

• Section 79 – Rape (Similar to IPC 375, but restructured)

• Section 80 – Gang rape (harsher punishments introduced)

• Section 82 – Sexual harassment (New category includes digital harassment)

• Section 83 – Voyeurism & Stalking (expanded definitions)

• Section 85 – Marriage fraud (New offense included)

• Section 87 – Human trafficking

Offenses Against Property

• Section 293 – Theft (similar to IPC 378)

• Section 295 – Extortion

• Section 297 – Robbery

• Section 300 – Dacoity

• Section 304 – Criminal misappropriation of property

Offenses Relating to Corruption & Breach of Trust

• Section 308 – Criminal breach of trust

• Section 312 – Cheating & dishonestly inducing delivery of property

• Section 314 – Fraudulent deeds & disposition of property

Forgery & Counterfeiting

• Section 326 – Forgery

• Section 330 – Counterfeiting of Indian currency

Cyber & Financial Crimes

• Section 353 – Identity theft & online fraud (newly introduced)

• Section 355 – Circulation of deepfake videos (newly included offense)

Offenses Relating to Religion

• Section 365 – Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings

Terrorism & Organized Crime (New Additions)

• Section 373 – Terrorist acts (new definition introduced, stricter punishment)

• Section 375 – Organized crime & gang-related offenses

Other Important Provisions

• Section 411 – Death penalty & alternative punishments

• Section 412 – Life imprisonment and sentencing reforms

• Section 420 – Repeal of IPC, transitional provisions