BNS Section 4 — Punishments

CHAPTER II OF PUNISHMENTS

General

Summary

This section lists the punishments that a court can impose on a person found guilty of an offence under this Sanhita. The punishments are: (a) death; (b) imprisonment for life; (c) imprisonment, which comes in two forms — (1) rigorous imprisonment, meaning imprisonment with hard labour, and (2) simple imprisonment; (d) forfeiture of property; (e) fine; and (f) community service.

Official Text

The punishments to which offenders are liable under the provisions of this Sanhita are—

(a) Death;

(b) Imprisonment for life;

(c) Imprisonment, which is of two descriptions, namely:—

(1) Rigorous, that is, with hard labour;

(2) Simple;

(d) Forfeiture of property;

(e) Fine;

(f) Community Service.

Related Judgments

  • SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.6 p.280 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1531 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2024) Vol.8 p.670 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • SC (2025) Vol.7 p.105 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.9 p.283 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.4 p.2730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

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