Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Consider the following statements on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023:

(i) It introduces new crimes like organized crime.
(ii) It introduces community service as a punishment.
(iii) It introduces new provisions to eliminate offence on sedition.
(iv) It includes mob lynching as an offence.

Select the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) Only (i) and (ii) are correct
(B) Only (ii) is correct
(C) None of the statements is correct
(D) All the statements are correct



Correct Answer: (D) All the statements are correct
Explanation with Analysis:
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 is part of India’s criminal law reforms, replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Here is the status of the statements:

(i) It introduces new crimes like organized crime – True. BNS 2023 defines and criminalizes organized crime and terrorism distinctly, which was not well-covered in IPC.

(ii) It introduces community service as a punishment – True. This is a notable reform, especially for minor offences, to promote restorative justice.

(iii) It introduces new provisions to eliminate offence on sedition – True. The offence of sedition (Section 124A IPC) has been dropped. Instead, Section 150 of BNS includes a rephrased provision dealing with acts endangering sovereignty, avoiding colonial terminology.

(iv) It includes mob lynching as an offence – True. BNS 2023 specifically addresses mob lynching under group violence, especially by a mob on grounds such as caste, religion, etc.