Introduction of BNS Section 9
BNS Section 9 deals with the limits on how punishments are applied when a single act consists of multiple offences. The section ensures that an individual does not face excessively harsh penalties by receiving multiple punishments for different parts of the same act. It establishes guidelines for courts to follow when determining how to impose sentences in cases where an offence can be broken down into several smaller offences.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 9 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 71.
What is section 9 of BNS ?
BNS Section 9 sets out rules to prevent multiple punishments for an act that involves several offences. The law states that if a single action includes different offences, the offender should generally receive only one punishment unless the law specifically requires otherwise. It also provides that when an offence fits multiple legal definitions, the punishment should not exceed what is allowed for the most severe offence involved.

BNS Section 9 in Simple Points
One Punishment for Multiple Offences:
- If one act involves several smaller offences, the person usually gets only one punishment for the entire act, unless the law specifically says otherwise.
When an Act Breaks Multiple Laws:
- If an action breaks more than one law or combines to form a different crime, the person is only punished as much as the most severe punishment for any one of those offences.
Example of Repeated Theft:
- If someone steals small amounts of money from the same person over several days, they get one punishment for all the thefts combined, not separate punishments for each theft.
Example of a Car Accident with Multiple Injuries:
- If a careless driver hits two different people, they can be punished separately for hurting each person, even though it happened in the same accident.
Fairness in Punishment:
- The law ensures that the punishment is fair and not overly harsh, even if one act includes multiple smaller offences.
Section 9 BNS Overview
BNS Section 9 ensures that a person is not punished multiple times for the same act if it involves several offenses. If a single action breaks multiple laws, the offender usually receives only one punishment unless the law says otherwise. Also, if the act fits multiple legal definitions, the punishment should not be more than what is allowed for the most serious offense.
Single Punishment for Combined Offences:
- If an act involves several parts, and each part could be considered a separate offence, the law usually ensures that only one punishment is given for the whole act. Multiple punishments are only allowed if the law explicitly states so.
Multiple Legal Definitions:
- When an act can be classified under two or more legal definitions or involves actions that together constitute a new offence, the offender should only face the most severe punishment applicable to one of those offences.
Example of a Repeated Theft:
- Imagine a person, X, who steals small amounts of money from the same person, Y, over several days. Each theft could be considered an individual offence, but X won’t be punished separately for each instance. Instead, X will receive one punishment for the entire series of thefts.
Example of Multiple Victims in a Car Accident:
- Suppose X, while driving recklessly, hits two pedestrians, A and B. Even though both incidents happened in the same event, X committed two separate offences—one against A and one against B. Here, X can be punished separately for injuring each person.
Preventing Excessive Punishment:
- The law ensures that even if a single act includes multiple offences, the overall punishment remains fair and doesn’t become excessively harsh. This prevents an unfairly severe sentence.
Fairness in Sentencing:
- The goal of this section is to make sure that the punishment fits the overall crime without being too severe, even if the act includes several offences.
No Double Punishment:
- If an action could be classified under multiple legal definitions, the offender should not be punished more than once for the same act. This avoids unfair double punishment.
Application in Courts:
- Courts use this section to ensure that the punishment for an act involving multiple offences does not exceed what is fair for any one of those offences.
Protection Against Over-Penalty:
- The section is designed to protect people from being overly penalized when a single act could technically be broken down into multiple offences.
Legal Clarity:
- BNS Section 1609 provides clear guidelines on how punishments should be applied in complex cases involving multiple offences, ensuring that the legal process remains fair and just.
BNS Section 9 FAQs
What is the main purpose of BNS Section 9?
The main purpose is to prevent excessive punishment by ensuring that an offender is not penalized multiple times for different parts of the same act.
Can someone be punished separately for each part of an offence under BNS Section 9?
Can someone be punished separately for each part of an offence under BNS Section 9?
What happens if an act falls under multiple legal definitions?
If an act can be defined as multiple offences under different laws, BNS Section 9 limits the punishment to the most severe penalty applicable to any one of those offences.
Can BNS Section 9 apply to cases with multiple victims?
Yes, if there are multiple victims involved, the offender may receive separate punishments for offences committed against each victim, even if the actions occurred in a single incident.
Does BNS Section 9 apply to repeated offences?
Yes, if the offences are part of a series of actions that are similar, like repeated thefts, BNS Section 9 would typically result in one punishment for the entire series, not individual punishments for each act.
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