Introduction of BNS Section 33
BNS Section 33 is about acts that cause very small harm. This section says that if the harm is so minor that a reasonable person would not complain about it, then it is not considered a crime. It makes sure that only significant harm is treated as a legal issue.
What is section 33 of BNS ?
BNS Section 33 explains that causing or intending to cause very minor harm is not a crime. If the harm is so insignificant that a reasonable person would not be upset, it does not lead to legal consequences.

BNS Section 33 in Simple Points
Minor Harm Isn’t a Crime:
- If the harm caused is really small, it’s not considered a crime under this law. The law focuses on serious harm, not small issues.
- Example: If someone lightly bumps into you and it doesn’t hurt, it’s not a crime.
What a Normal Person Would Think:
- The law asks if a normal person would actually complain about the harm. If it’s something a reasonable person wouldn’t be upset about, it’s not a crime.
- Example: If someone accidentally steps on your shoe, a reasonable person might just shrug it off.
Intent Doesn’t Make It a Crime:
- Even if someone meant to cause a little harm, it’s not a crime if the harm is too minor.
- Example: If a friend playfully flicks your ear and it doesn’t really hurt, it’s not a crime.
Avoiding Petty Legal Issues:
- This rule helps stop people from going to court over tiny problems. The law is meant to handle serious cases, not small everyday mishaps.
- Example: If you get a tiny scratch from someone’s watch in a crowded bus, you don’t need to sue them.
Common Sense Approach:
- The law is based on common sense, meaning not every little problem needs to be handled by the courts.
- Example: If someone accidentally splashes a few drops of water on you, it’s not worth making a big deal out of it.
Section 33 BNS Overview
BNS Section 33 states that if an act causes harm, but the harm is so minor that a reasonable person wouldn’t complain about it, then it is not considered an offense. This means that not every small injury or inconvenience is legally punishable if it’s too insignificant.
10 Key Points about BNS Section 33
- Minor Harm Isn’t an Offense: If the harm caused by an action is very slight, it doesn’t count as an offense under this law.
- Reasonable Person’s Perspective: The law considers whether a person with ordinary sense and temperament would complain about the harm.
- Intent Doesn’t Matter If Harm Is Slight: Even if the harm was intended, it’s still not an offense if it’s too minor.
- Knowledge of Likely Harm: If the person knew their action might cause slight harm, it still doesn’t count as an offense.
- Prevents Unnecessary Legal Action: This section helps avoid unnecessary legal cases over trivial matters that don’t seriously affect anyone.
- Focus on Serious Harm: The law is designed to focus on serious harm rather than minor inconveniences.
- Encourages Tolerance: It promotes tolerance for small issues that don’t cause significant trouble.
- Examples of Slight Harm: A small scratch or a minor inconvenience that doesn’t cause lasting damage would fall under this category.
- No Legal Punishment: Actions causing only slight harm aren’t subject to legal punishment under this section.
- Importance in Everyday Life: This section reflects everyday common sense, where not every small issue should lead to legal action.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 33
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Definition | Minor harm is not treated as a crime if it is so slight that a reasonable person would not complain. |
Offence | Very small harm that would not bother a reasonable person. |
Punishment | No punishment for causing or intending to cause very minor harm. |
Bailable | Not applicable, as minor harm is not considered a crime. |
BNS Section 33 FAQs
What does BNS Section 33 cover?
BNS Section 33 covers situations where harm is caused, but the harm is so minor that it doesn’t count as an offense.
Is slight harm always ignored by the law?
Yes, if the harm is so slight that a reasonable person wouldn’t complain about it, the law doesn’t consider it an offense.
Does intent make a difference in slight harm cases?
No, even if the harm was intended, it’s not an offense if the harm is very minor.
Can I sue someone for slight harm under BNS Section 33?
No, if the harm is considered slight, the law doesn’t support legal action for it.
Why does the law ignore slight harm?
The law ignores slight harm to prevent unnecessary legal cases over trivial matters and to encourage tolerance in everyday life.
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