Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS 2023)

Bare Act Overview

📜 Legislative Overview

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) is a key substantive criminal law that came into effect on 25th December 2023 following the assent of the President of India. Together with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA), and other related legislations, the BNS forms the foundation of India’s modern criminal justice system. It replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 — a colonial-era statute introduced by the British administration and in force for over 150 years.

The BNS 2023 comprises of:

- Total 20 Chapters

- total 358 Sections

🎯 Objective of BNS, 2023

The primary aim of the BNS is "to consolidate and amend the provisions relating to offences and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto."

🔍 Why Was a New Criminal Law Needed?

1. Colonial Legacy of IPC: The IPC, 1860, reflected the mindset and administrative priorities of a colonial police regime. A new law was necessary to align criminal justice with the socio-economic realities of contemporary India in the age of globalization.
2. Outdated Provisions: Several sections of the IPC had become obsolete and were no longer relevant to modern-day society.
3. Efficiency and Accessibility: The BNS, 2023, aims to improve the timely administration of criminal justice. It simplifies legal procedures, benefiting both the legal fraternity and the functioning of state authorities.