BNSS Section 501 — Destruction of libellous and other matter

Summary

If a person is convicted under certain sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to defamation or obscene material, the court can order the destruction of all copies of the item involved in the crime that are in the court's custody or still held by the convicted person. Similarly, if a person is convicted under certain other sections related to adulterated food, drink, drugs, or medical preparations, the court can order those items to be destroyed.

Official Text

(1) On a conviction under section 294, section 295, or sub-sections

(3) and

(4) of section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Court may order the destruction of all the copies of the thing in respect of which the conviction was had, and which are in the custody of the Court or remain in the possession or power of the person convicted.

(2) The Court may, in like manner, on a conviction under section 274, section 275, section 276 or section 277 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, order the food, drink, drug or medical preparation in respect of which the conviction was had, to be destroyed.

Related Judgments

• SC (2025) Vol.5 p.730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.6 p.545 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2024) Vol.7 p.979 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
• .. Petitioner/Accused No.12 vs The State of Tamilnadu, — Madras High Court ()
• SC (2025) Vol.2 p.1588 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.1 p.1469 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)