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Glossary Terms
| Term (EN) | Definition | Exam Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| BNS (Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita) | Criminal code replacing IPC 1860; 358 sections; effective 1 Jul 2024 | Core identity |
| IPC (Indian Penal Code) | Colonial criminal code (1860–2024); 511 sections | Historical context |
| Murder (S.103) | Culpable homicide amounting to murder; death or RI for life | IPC S.302 equivalent |
| Culpable Homicide (S.105) | Less culpable form of killing not amounting to murder | IPC S.304 equivalent |
| Rape (S.63/64) | Non-consensual sexual intercourse; RI 10 yrs to life | IPC S.375/376 |
| Gang rape of minor (S.70) | Gang rape of woman under 18; death or RI for life | New enhanced punishment |
| Organised crime (S.111) | Syndicate (2+ persons) using force for gain; death if results in death | Entirely new in BNS |
| Petty organised crime (S.112) | Organised chain snatching, mobile theft, pickpocketing; RI up to 7 yrs | New offence |
| Terrorism (S.113) | Act threatening sovereignty/unity/integrity; death or RI for life | New in criminal code |
| Hit-and-run (S.106(2)) | Negligent driving causing death + fleeing; RI up to 10 yrs | New specific provision |
| Community service (S.4/23) | New punishment for petty offences; unpaid community work | New punishment type |
| Sedition (IPC S.124A) | Exciting disaffection against government; REPEALED in BNS | Historical term |
| BNS S.152 | Acts endangering sovereignty/unity; replaced sedition; RI 7 yrs to life | New provision |
| Unlawful assembly (S.189) | 5+ persons to overawe State; IPC S.141 equivalent | Public order |
| Rioting (S.191) | Unlawful assembly using force; RI up to 2 years | Public order |
| Private defence (S.34–44) | Right to protect body/property; extends to causing death in extreme cases | General defence |
| Insanity (S.22) | Not responsible if unsound mind at time of act; M'Naghten Rules | General defence |
| Dacoity (S.310) | Robbery by 5+ persons; RI up to 10 yrs + fine | IPC S.391 equivalent |
| Robbery (S.309) | Theft/extortion with force; RI up to 10 yrs | IPC S.390/392 equivalent |
| Criminal conspiracy (S.61) | Agreement of 2+ persons to do illegal act; IPC S.120B equivalent | Conspiracy |
| Abetment (S.45–60) | Instigating, conspiring, or aiding in commission of offence | IPC S.107 equivalent |
| Dowry death (S.80) | Death within 7 yrs of marriage due to dowry demand; RI 7 yrs to life | IPC S.304B equivalent |
| Stalking (S.78) | Following/contacting woman despite disinterest; 1st offence 3 yrs; repeat 5 yrs | IPC S.354D equivalent |
| BNSS | Procedural code replacing CrPC 1973; T138 | Companion legislation |
| BSA (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam) | Evidence code replacing Indian Evidence Act 1872; 3rd reform law | Companion legislation |
Sources: Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita 2023 (Act 45 of 2023); Ministry of Home Affairs Gazette Notification; Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs report; Indian Penal Code 1860 (for comparison); Supreme Court judgment in Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962) on sedition; Law Commission of India 279th Report on criminal law reforms; PRS Legislative Research analysis of BNS.