Introduction of BNS 42
BNS 42 explains how you can protect your property from people who commit less serious crimes such as theft, mischief, or trespassing. This section allows you to use force, but it does not permit using deadly force. The law recognizes that while you can defend your property, the force you use should be appropriate to the situation and not more than necessary.
What is section 42 of BNS ?
BNS Section 42 explains that you can use force to protect your property from being stolen, damaged, or invaded. However, you are not allowed to use deadly force. The amount of force you use should be appropriate for the situation and the level of threat you are facing.

BNS Section 42 in Simple Points
Defending Your Property: You have the right to protect your property if someone is trying to steal it, damage it, or enter it without your permission.
Non-Deadly Force Only: You can use force to stop the person, but you are not allowed to kill them. The law limits your right to causing harm, so you must not use deadly force.
Appropriate Force for the Crime: The level of force you use should match the seriousness of the crime. For example, if someone is stealing, you can cause harm to stop them, but you should not use excessive force.
Applies to Less Serious Crimes: This rule is for crimes like theft, mischief, or trespassing. If the crime is more serious, such as a robbery or night-time break-in, other rules apply.
Restrictions and Limits: You must follow certain limits when using force. The harm you cause should only be enough to prevent the crime and not more than necessary.
Section 42 BNS Overview
BNS Section 42 says that you are allowed to use force to protect your property from being stolen, damaged, or unlawfully entered. However, this force must not be deadly. You can only use as much force as necessary to stop the crime. This section applies to minor crimes like theft or trespassing and not to more serious crimes.
BNS Section 42: 10 Key Points
Reasonable Response:
Your response should be reasonable and fit the threat. You should not cause serious harm for minor crimes, only enough to stop the crime.
Right to Protect Property:
You can defend your property if someone is trying to steal it or cause damage.
Use of Non-Deadly Force:
You can use force to stop someone from committing a crime, but you cannot kill them.
Force Must Fit the Crime:
The level of harm you cause should match the seriousness of the crime. For example, you can hurt a thief to stop them, but do not use excessive force.
Applies to Minor Crimes:
This section is for dealing with minor crimes like theft or trespassing, not for very serious crimes.
No Killing Allowed:
You cannot use deadly force for minor crimes. The law only allows non-deadly force in these situations.
Immediate Danger Required:
You can only use force if the threat to your property is happening right now and is real.
Examples of When Force is Allowed:
If someone is stealing from you or damaging your property, you can use force to stop them. Use only as much force as necessary to prevent the crime.
Law Protects Your Defense Rights:
The law supports your right to defend your property, but you must do so using appropriate and reasonable force.
Limits on Force:
The amount of force you use must be reasonable and not more than necessary to stop the crime. Excessive force is not allowed.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 42
Offence | Definition | Punishment | Bailable |
---|---|---|---|
Causing harm to protect property | Using force to stop theft, mischief, or trespassing without causing death | Allowed within legal limits (no specific punishment) | Yes |
BNS Section 42 FAQs
Can I hurt someone who is stealing from me?
Yes, you can use force to stop the theft, but you cannot kill the person.
What if someone is just trespassing?
You can use force to make them leave, but only as much as needed to remove them.
Can I use deadly force for theft?
No, you are not allowed to use deadly force for theft. Deadly force is only permitted for more serious crimes under different rules.
What if I cause too much harm?
The harm you cause must be appropriate for the crime. Causing more harm than necessary can be against the law.
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