Abetment
Instigating, conspiring with, or intentionally aiding another person to commit an offence. Under BNS, abetment is punishable even if the offence itself is not committed.
See IPC 107 → BNS mappingIndian Criminal Law Glossary
A–Z plain-language definitions of 73 key terms in Indian criminal law — including the new BNS, BNSS and BSA framework that came into force on 1 July 2024.
A
Accused
A person against whom a criminal complaint, FIR or charge sheet has been filed alleging commission of an offence. Until convicted, the accused is presumed innocent under Article 21.
Acid Attack
Throwing or administering corrosive substance with intent to cause grievous hurt. Now BNS Section 124(1); minimum 10 years to life imprisonment plus victim compensation.
See IPC 326A → BNS mappingAcquittal
A judicial pronouncement that the accused is not guilty of the offence charged. May follow a trial or be granted under BNSS provisions for lack of evidence.
Anticipatory Bail
A direction under BNSS Section 482 (formerly CrPC 438) that the applicant be released on bail if arrested for a non-bailable offence.
Arrest
Lawful taking into custody of a person by police or competent authority. Governed by BNSS Sections 35-62 (formerly CrPC 41-60).
B
Bail
Conditional release of an accused from custody pending trial. Bailable offences attract release as of right; non-bailable offences require court's discretion.
Bailable Offence
An offence listed in BNSS Schedule 1 as bailable — accused must be released on bail by police or magistrate without need for court discretion.
Bare Act
The plain text of a statute as enacted by Parliament, without commentary or interpretation. The BNS, BNSS and BSA Bare Acts came into force on 1 July 2024.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023
The new procedural criminal code that replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973 on 1 July 2024.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023
The new substantive criminal code of India that replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Contains 358 sections across 20 chapters.
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023
The new evidence law that replaced the Indian Evidence Act 1872 on 1 July 2024.
C
Charge Sheet
A final report under BNSS Section 193 (formerly CrPC 173) filed by police on completion of investigation, listing the accused and offences.
Cheating
Dishonestly inducing a person to deliver property or do/omit an act causing harm. Now BNS Section 318; punishment up to 7 years (formerly IPC 420).
See IPC 420 → BNS mappingCognisable Offence
An offence for which police may arrest without warrant and start investigation without magistrate's permission. Usually offences punishable with 3+ years imprisonment.
Cognisance
Taking judicial notice of an offence by a magistrate, formally beginning the criminal process.
Common Intention
When a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of common intention, each is liable as if he did it alone. BNS Section 3(5) (formerly IPC 34).
See IPC 34 → BNS mappingCompoundable Offence
An offence that can be settled between parties under BNSS Section 359 (formerly CrPC 320). Most heinous offences are non-compoundable.
Conspiracy (Criminal)
An agreement between two or more persons to do an illegal act or to do a legal act by illegal means. BNS Section 61 (formerly IPC 120A/120B).
See IPC 120B → BNS mappingCruelty (498A)
Cruelty by husband or relatives that drives the woman to suicide or causes grave injury. Now BNS Section 85; up to 3 years + fine.
See IPC 498A → BNS mappingCulpable Homicide
Causing death by an act done with intent or knowledge of likelihood of death. BNS Section 100 (formerly IPC 299).
See IPC 304 → BNS mappingD
Dacoity
Robbery committed by five or more persons acting in concert. BNS Section 310; minimum 10 years to life (formerly IPC 395).
See IPC 395 → BNS mappingDeath Penalty
The most severe sentence under BNS, reserved for the rarest of rare cases (murder, gang rape causing death, mob lynching, terrorism).
Defamation
Imputation made or published to harm the reputation of a person. BNS Section 356; community service added as new option (formerly IPC 499/500).
See IPC 499 → BNS mappingDischarge
Release of accused at the framing-of-charge stage when there is no ground to proceed. Under BNSS Section 250.
Dowry Death
Death of a woman within 7 years of marriage where soon before death she was subjected to cruelty for dowry. BNS Section 80 (formerly IPC 304B).
See IPC 304B → BNS mappingE
e-FIR
First Information Report registered electronically under BNSS Section 173. Introduced to make FIR filing accessible without visiting police station for cognisable offences.
Examination-in-Chief
Evidence given by a witness for the party calling him. Followed by cross-examination by the opposing party. Governed by BSA.
Extortion
Intentionally putting any person in fear of injury to dishonestly induce delivery of property. BNS Section 308 (formerly IPC 384).
See IPC 384 → BNS mappingF
First Information Report (FIR)
Written information given to police about commission of a cognisable offence. Filed under BNSS Section 173 (formerly CrPC 154).
Forgery
Making of a false document or electronic record with intent to cause damage. BNS Section 336 (formerly IPC 463).
See IPC 463 → BNS mappingFraming of Charge
Formal statement by court specifying the offence the accused must defend. After this stage trial proceeds. Under BNSS Section 251.
G
Gang Rape
Rape committed by two or more persons acting in furtherance of common intention. BNS Section 70; minimum 20 years to life (formerly IPC 376D).
See IPC 376D → BNS mappingGrievous Hurt
Hurt that endangers life or causes permanent injury, listed in BNS Section 116 (formerly IPC 320). Punishment up to 7 years (Section 117) or life (Section 118).
See IPC 325 → BNS mappingH
Habeas Corpus
Constitutional writ under Article 32 / 226 directing production of an illegally detained person before the court. Often used against unlawful police detention.
Hurt
Causing bodily pain, disease or infirmity. BNS Section 114 (formerly IPC 319). Voluntary causing of hurt: Section 115.
See IPC 323 → BNS mappingI
Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860
The colonial-era substantive criminal law of India, now replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024.
Investigation
Steps taken by police to collect evidence after registration of FIR. Governed by BNSS Sections 175-187 (formerly CrPC 156-173).
J
Judicial Custody
Detention of an accused in jail under the order of a magistrate, as opposed to police custody. Maximum 90 days for offences punishable with 10+ years.
Juvenile
A person below the age of 18 alleged to have committed an offence. Governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
K
Kidnapping
Taking or enticing a minor or person of unsound mind out of lawful guardianship. BNS Sections 137-140 (formerly IPC 359-369).
See IPC 363 → BNS mappingL
Life Imprisonment
Imprisonment for the natural life of the convict. Under BNS, eligible for remission/parole subject to government policy and judicial directions.
M
Magistrate
A judicial officer who tries offences punishable up to a fixed maximum. Categorised in BNSS as Chief Judicial Magistrate, Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, etc.
Mens Rea
Guilty mind — the mental element required for criminal liability (intention, knowledge, recklessness). Codified in different forms across BNS provisions.
Mob Lynching
Murder committed by a group of five or more persons on grounds of race, caste, sex, religion or language. NEW offence under BNS Section 103(2). Death or life imprisonment.
See IPC 302 → BNS mappingMurder
Culpable homicide with the special intention or knowledge described in BNS Section 101. Punishment: death or life imprisonment (Section 103).
See IPC 302 → BNS mappingN
Non-Bailable Offence
An offence where bail is not granted as a right; the court considers gravity, evidence and risk of absconding before granting bail.
Non-Cognisable Offence
An offence where police cannot arrest without warrant. Investigation requires prior order of magistrate. Usually offences punishable up to 3 years.
O
Organised Crime
Continuing unlawful activity by an organised crime syndicate. NEW offence under BNS Section 111; minimum 5 years to death penalty.
Outraging Modesty
Assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. BNS Section 74 (formerly IPC 354). Minimum 1 year to 5 years.
See IPC 354 → BNS mappingP
Pardon
Constitutional power of the President (Article 72) or Governor (Article 161) to grant pardon, reprieve, respite or remission of sentence.
Plea Bargaining
Process where accused pleads guilty in exchange for reduced punishment. Governed by BNSS Sections 289-300 (formerly CrPC 265A-265L).
Public Servant
Defined in BNS Section 2(28) to include government officials, judges, members of legislature etc. Many offences are aggravated when committed by/against a public servant.
Q
Quashing of FIR
Power of High Court under BNSS Section 528 (formerly CrPC 482) to quash an FIR to prevent abuse of process or secure justice. Bhajan Lal guidelines apply.
R
Rape
Non-consensual sexual intercourse with a woman in circumstances listed in BNS Section 63. Punishment under Section 64: minimum 10 years to life.
See IPC 376 → BNS mappingRatio Decidendi
The legal principle on which the decision of a case is based — binding precedent for lower courts. Distinguished from obiter dicta (passing observations).
Remand
Order of magistrate sending accused to police or judicial custody pending investigation/trial. Maximum 15 days police custody (now extendable in 60-day window under BNSS).
Robbery
Theft or extortion accompanied by force or fear of instant force. BNS Section 309 (formerly IPC 392).
See IPC 392 → BNS mappingS
Sedition (124A)
Replaced under BNS by Section 152 — 'Acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India'. Punishment up to 7 years or life.
See IPC 124A → BNS mappingSelf-Defence (Private Defence)
Right under BNS Sections 34-44 (formerly IPC 96-106) to use reasonable force in defending body or property against unlawful attack.
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome physical contact, demand for sexual favours, sexually coloured remarks or showing pornography. BNS Section 75 (formerly IPC 354A); up to 3 years.
See IPC 354A → BNS mappingSnatching
NEW offence under BNS Section 304 — sudden snatching of property from person. Separate from theft; up to 3 years + fine.
Stalking
Following, contacting or attempting to contact a woman repeatedly despite disinterest. Includes cyber-stalking. BNS Section 78 (formerly IPC 354D).
See IPC 354D → BNS mappingSummons
A written notice issued by court to a person to appear and answer the complaint or to give evidence. Governed by BNSS Sections 63-69.
T
Terrorism (in BNS)
NEW under BNS Section 113 — acts with intent to threaten unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of India. In addition to UAPA. Death or life imprisonment.
Theft
Dishonest taking of movable property out of another's possession without consent. BNS Section 303(1) (formerly IPC 378). Punishment under 303(2).
See IPC 379 → BNS mappingTrial
Judicial proceeding to determine guilt or innocence of an accused. Procedure depends on whether tried as warrant case, summons case or sessions trial under BNSS.
U
Unlawful Assembly
Assembly of five or more persons with common object as defined in BNS Section 189(1) (formerly IPC 141). Punishment under 189(2).
See IPC 141 → BNS mappingV
Vakalatnama
Written authority by a litigant authorising an advocate to appear and act on his behalf in court proceedings.
Voluntarily Causing Hurt
Causing hurt with intention or knowledge of likelihood. BNS Section 115 (formerly IPC 323). Compoundable.
See IPC 323 → BNS mappingW
Warrant
Written order signed by a magistrate authorising police to arrest the named person or search a place. Governed by BNSS Sections 70-90.
Witness
A person who gives evidence (oral, documentary, or electronic) before a court under oath. Examination governed by the BSA.
Z
Zero FIR(also: Cross-jurisdiction FIR)
FIR registered by any police station regardless of jurisdiction, later transferred to the appropriate station. Lalita Kumari v. State of U.P. (2014) made this mandatory.
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