Introduction of BNS Section 56
BNS Section 56 is about punishing someone who helps or encourages another person to commit a crime. If the crime does not happen, the person who helped can still be punished. The punishment can be up to one-fourth of the longest prison term for the crime.
- Introduction of BNS Section 56
- What is section 56 of BNS ?
- BNS Section 56 in Simple Points
- Section 56 BNS Overview
- BNS 56 Punishment
- BNS 56 bailable or not ?
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 56
- BNS Section 56 FAQs
- If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
What is section 56 of BNS ?
BNS Section 56 punishes individuals who try to make others commit a crime that leads to imprisonment, even if the crime does not happen. The punishment includes possible imprisonment and fines, with stricter penalties for public servants.

BNS Section 56 in Simple Points
BNS Section 56 deals with punishing people who encourage or help others to commit crimes punishable by imprisonment. Even if the crime does not actually happen, the person who tried to help or encourage it can still be punished. Here’s a simplified explanation:
ey Points:
- Punishment for Encouragement:
- If a person helps or encourages another to commit a crime punishable by imprisonment, but the crime does not occur, they can still be punished. The punishment can be up to one-fourth of the longest possible prison term for that crime. For instance, if a crime could result in 8 years in prison, the encourager might get up to 2 years in jail.
- Punishment for Public Servants:
- If the person who encouraged the crime is a public servant (like a police officer) whose job is to prevent such crimes, their punishment can be up to half of the longest term of imprisonment for the crime. This means they can face more severe consequences if they fail in their duty.
- Types of Punishments:
- The encourager may receive a prison sentence, a fine, or both. For example, if a crime could lead to 10 years in prison, the encourager might be sentenced to up to 2.5 years in jail and may also have to pay a fine.
- Examples:
- If someone tries to convince another to lie in court and the lie does not happen, they are still punishable under this section.
- If a police officer encourages a robbery and it does not occur, they are liable to up to half of the maximum prison term for robbery and may also face a fine.
- If someone encourages a police officer to commit a robbery, even if the robbery does not happen, they can face up to half the prison term for robbery and a fine.
- Legal Classification:
- The offence can be classified based on whether it is cognizable (serious) or non-cognizable (less serious), and whether it is bailable or non-bailable. It is non-compoundable, meaning it cannot be settled outside the court.
Section 56 BNS Overview
BNS Section 56 deals with the punishment for someone who encourages or helps another person commit a crime that is punishable by imprisonment. Even if the crime does not actually happen, the person who encouraged or helped can still be punished. The punishment can be up to one-fourth of the longest prison term for that crime. If the person who helped is a public servant, the punishment can be up to half of the longest prison term.
Key Points:
- Encouragement of Crime:
- If you help or encourage someone to commit a crime punishable by imprisonment, you can be punished even if the crime is not carried out.
- Punishment Length:
- The maximum punishment for encouraging a crime is up to one-fourth of the longest possible prison term for that crime.
- Public Servants:
- If the person encouraging the crime is a public servant (like a police officer), the punishment can be up to half of the longest prison term for the crime.
- Fines:
- In addition to imprisonment, you may also have to pay a fine if you are convicted under this section.
- Imprisonment or Fine:
- The punishment can be imprisonment, a fine, or both, depending on the case.
- No Crime Committed:
- Even if the encouraged crime does not happen, you are still punishable.
- Non-Compounding:
- The offence is non-compoundable, meaning it cannot be settled outside the court.
- Cognizable or Non-Cognizable:
- The crime you encouraged can be either serious (cognizable) or less serious (non-cognizable), affecting how it is handled by the police.
- Legal Process:
- The case will be tried by the court that deals with the crime you encouraged.
- Different Types of Crimes:
- The section applies to various crimes, whether they are serious or less serious, as long as they are punishable by imprisonment.
BNS 56 Punishment
Imprisonment:
- The person can be imprisoned for up to one-fourth of the maximum prison term for the crime they encouraged. For instance, if the maximum term is 8 years, the person could be imprisoned for up to 2 years.
Fine:
- They may also be fined or both fined and imprisoned.
Public Servants:
- If the person is a public servant, the punishment can be up to half of the longest prison term for the crime.

BNS 56 bailable or not ?
If the original offence is bailable, then the abetment offence under Section 56 is also bailable.
If the original offence is non-bailable, then the abetment offence is also non-bailable.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 56
Detail | Explanation |
---|---|
Offence | Depends on the original crime’s classification (cognizable or non-cognizable). |
Punishment | – Imprisonment up to one-fourth of the maximum term for the original crime, or fine, or both. – If the abettor is a public servant, imprisonment can be up to half of the maximum term, or fine, or both. |
Cognizable/Non-Cognizable | Same as the offence that was abetted (cognizable or non-cognizable). |
Bailable/Non-Bailable | Same as the offence that was abetted (bailable or non-bailable). |
Court | The case is tried in the same court that would handle the original offence. |
BNS Section 56 FAQs
What does BNS Section 56 cover?
It deals with punishing those who encourage or help others to commit crimes that are punishable by imprisonment, even if the crime does not actually occur.
What is the maximum punishment for abetment under this section?
The maximum punishment is up to one-fourth of the longest prison term for the crime. If the abettor is a public servant, it can be up to half of the longest term.
Can a public servant face more severe punishment?
Yes, public servants can be punished with up to half of the longest term of imprisonment for the crime they abetted.
Is a fine also a possible punishment?
Yes, fines can be imposed along with imprisonment.
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