Introduction of BNS Section 1
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 1, enacted in 2023, represents a comprehensive legal provision that extends the reach of Indian law beyond its borders. It ensures that individuals, regardless of where they commit offenses, can be held accountable under Indian jurisdiction. This section highlights the Indian government’s commitment to maintaining justice for acts committed by its citizens .
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 01 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 01.
What is BNS Section 1 ?
BNS 1 is a section of the Indian legal system introduced in 2023. It ensures that people can be punished under Indian law for breaking its rules, even if they are outside India. This section applies to Indian citizens committing crimes anywhere in the world, crimes on Indian ships or airplanes regardless of location
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 1
This Act shall be called the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. It extends to the whole of India. It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. The provisions of this Act shall also apply to any Indian citizen outside India, any person on an Indian ship or aircraft wherever it may be, and to offences targeting computer systems located in India, even if committed from outside India.
(This provision replaces IPC Section 1 (1860).)
1. Meaning of Section 1
This section introduces the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. It lays down the short title, territorial extent, commencement date, and extraterritorial reach.
- It formally names the law.
- Applies it across India.
- Extends its effect beyond Indian borders in specific cases.
Example → If an Indian citizen commits murder abroad, they can still be tried in India under BNS.
2. Who is Covered?
- All individuals in India → Anyone breaking BNS laws within India.
- Indian citizens abroad → Crimes committed outside India by Indian nationals.
- Persons on Indian ships/aircraft → Offences committed anywhere on Indian-registered vessels or planes.
- Cyber offenders abroad → Foreign nationals committing offences against Indian computer systems from outside India.
3. Essential Ingredients
To apply Section 1, the following must be shown:
- The Act is named Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- It applies across India and to specified extraterritorial acts.
- It comes into effect on a date notified by the Central Government.
4. Punishment under BNS Section 1
This section itself does not prescribe punishment.
- It is a foundational / procedural section.
- It defines applicability, not offences.
5. Legal Classification
- Nature → Introductory provision (not offence-based).
- Bailable / Non-bailable → Not applicable.
- Cognizable / Non-cognizable → Not applicable.
- Trial by → Not applicable.
6. Examples of BNS Section 1 in Action
- Example 1 – Crime Abroad
An Indian citizen commits theft in London. They can be prosecuted in India under BNS as if the crime occurred in India. - Example 2 – Cybercrime
A hacker in another country attacks servers located in India. Indian authorities can prosecute them under BNS. - Example 3 – Offence on Ship
A murder committed on an Indian ship sailing in international waters falls under BNS jurisdiction.
7. Importance of BNS Section 1
- Provides the official name and start of the new law.
- Extends India’s criminal jurisdiction globally.
- Updates the IPC framework to include cybercrimes.
- Ensures legal clarity and uniformity across India.
- Strengthens sovereignty by holding citizens accountable worldwide.
Section 1 BNS Overview
- Name and Start
- BNS Section 1 officially names the law as the “Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.” This is the formal title under which the law will be recognized and referred to in legal contexts.
- It will begin on a date chosen by the Central Government, which will be announced in the Official Gazette. Different parts of the law can start on different dates.
- Who It Applies To
- Every person can be punished under this law for actions or inactions that go against its rules, within India.
- Crimes Outside India
- If someone can be tried under Indian law for a crime committed outside India, they will be treated as if they did the act within India.
- Where It Applies
- This law applies to:
- Any Indian citizen committing a crime outside India.
- Anyone committing a crime on an Indian ship or airplane, no matter where it is.
- Anyone committing a crime targeting a computer system in India, even if they are outside India.
- This law applies to:
- Explanation
- The word “crime” includes any act done outside India that would be punishable if it happened within India.
- Example
- For instance, if an Indian citizen kills someone outside India, they can be tried and punished for murder in India wherever they are found.
- Other Laws
- This law does not change any laws related to punishing mutiny, desertion of military personnel, or any special or local laws.
Comparison Table: BNS Section 1 vs IPC Section 1
| Section | Provision | Extent / Applicability | Commencement | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNS Section 1 (2023) | Short title, extent, commencement, and extraterritorial applicability. Names the law as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. | Applies to the whole of India, Indian citizens abroad, crimes on Indian ships/aircraft, and cybercrimes targeting Indian systems. | Comes into force on a date notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette. | Introductory & jurisdictional; not an offence section. |
| IPC Section 1 (1860) | Short title and extent of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. | Applied initially to British India; later extended across the Republic of India. Did not expressly include cyber or modern extraterritorial reach. | Came into effect in 1862. | Introductory provision; limited scope compared to BNS. |
FAQs BNS Section 1
What is BNS Section 1?
NS 1112 is a section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which allows India to punish people for breaking its laws, even if they are outside the country. It ensures Indian citizens and those targeting Indian interests are held accountable, regardless of where the crime happens.
Who does BNS Section 1 apply to?
A3: BNS 1 applies to everyone who breaks Indian laws within India. It also applies to Indian citizens committing crimes anywhere in the world, crimes on Indian ships or airplanes regardless of location, and crimes targeting Indian computer systems from outside the country.
What does BNS stand for?
BNS stands for Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Conclusion
BNS Section 1 acts as the gateway to India’s new criminal code. It provides clarity on the law’s name, applicability, and commencement while significantly expanding the reach of Indian criminal jurisdiction beyond borders. Unlike IPC Section 1, which had a limited territorial focus, the BNS incorporates modern concerns like cybercrimes and global accountability of Indian citizens.
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Read Next — Related BNS Sections
Finished with BNS Section 1? Continue exploring the next provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Each section includes explanations, examples, and plain-language breakdowns for easy understanding.
Next 5 Sections
BNS Section 3 — General Explanations and Expressions
BNS Section 4 — Punishments (Chapter II – Of Punishments)
BNS Section 5 — Commutation of Sentence of Death or Imprisonment for Life
BNS Section 6 — Fractions of Terms of Punishment