BNS-led Substantive Criminal Law

Criminal Law

Learn criminal liability by working through conduct, fault, offence ingredients and defences. Current BNS law leads every guide, with older IPC authorities used where their principles remain useful.

Core modules
8
Topics mapped
58
Detailed guides
58
Leading cases
103

Use one method for every offence

Conduct, fault, liability and defence

ConductFaultDefence
Begin the guide

Core module

Foundations of Substantive Criminal Law

  1. 01Crime: Meaning, Nature and Essential ElementsPublic wrong, prohibited conduct, fault, causation, concurrence and the burden of proving guilt.Read guide
  2. 02Territorial and Extra-Territorial Application of BNSOperation within India, citizens abroad, Indian ships and aircraft, and attacks on Indian computer resources.Read guide
  3. 03Actus Reus in Criminal LawVoluntary acts, legally relevant omissions, circumstances, consequences, causation and concurrence.Read guide
  4. 04Mens Rea in Criminal LawIntention, knowledge, reason to believe, recklessness, negligence and statutory exclusion of fault.Read guide
  5. 05BNS Sections 2 and 3: Definitions and General ExplanationsInterpretive definitions, general exceptions, acts and omissions, possession and forms of joint liability.Read guide
  6. 06Punishments under BNS Sections 4 to 13Kinds of punishment, commutation, imprisonment, fines, community service and repeat offending.Read guide
  7. 07Sentencing Policy and Principles in IndiaProportionality, individualised sentencing, aggravating and mitigating factors, reform and capital sentencing.Read guide

Core module

General Exceptions and Private Defence

  1. 01Mistake of Fact and Mistake of LawGood-faith factual mistake, legal mistake and the boundary between excuse and ignorance.Read guide
  2. 02Judicial and Executive ActsProtection for judges, court orders and acts done under legal authority.Read guide
  3. 03Accident in Criminal LawLawful acts, lawful means, proper care and unintended harmful consequences.Read guide
  4. 04Necessity in Criminal LawPreventing greater harm, good faith and the limits of emergency action.Read guide
  5. 05Infancy and Criminal ResponsibilityAbsolute and qualified immunity based on age and maturity of understanding.Read guide
  6. 06Unsoundness of Mind as a DefenceLegal incapacity, cognitive tests, medical evidence and the time of the act.Read guide
  7. 07Intoxication and Criminal LiabilityInvoluntary and voluntary intoxication, knowledge, intention and offence-specific fault.Read guide
  8. 08Consent as a General ExceptionValid consent, fear, misconception, age, capacity and limits involving serious harm.Read guide
  9. 09Good Faith and Acts Done for BenefitDue care, benefit, emergency treatment and communication made in good faith.Read guide
  10. 10Compulsion and Trifling ActsThreats, excluded offences and harm too slight for ordinary criminal concern.Read guide
  11. 11Right of Private Defence: Scope and LimitsPreventive force, necessity, proportionality, public-authority limits and duration.Read guide
  12. 12Private Defence of the BodyDefence of self and others, reasonable apprehension and force extending to death.Read guide
  13. 13Private Defence of PropertyDefence against theft, robbery, mischief and criminal trespass.Read guide

Core module

Group Liability and Inchoate Offences

  1. 01Common Intention and Constructive LiabilityShared intention, participation, development on the spot and individual responsibility.Read guide
  2. 02Unlawful Assembly and Common ObjectMembership, common object, probable offences and constructive liability.Read guide
  3. 03Rioting and AffrayPublic violence, unlawful assembly, fighting and disturbance of public peace.Read guide
  4. 04Criminal ConspiracyAgreement, unlawful object, overt acts, proof by circumstances and withdrawal.Read guide
  5. 05Attempt to Commit an OffencePreparation, proximity, impossibility, abandonment and punishment for attempt.Read guide
  6. 06AbetmentInstigation, conspiracy, intentional aid, liability and punishment.Read guide
  7. 07Abetment of SuicideActive encouragement, intention, proximity, persistent conduct and evidentiary caution.Read guide

Core module

Offences against the State and Public Order

  1. 01Waging War against the Government of IndiaWaging, attempting, abetting, conspiracy, preparation and collection of arms.Read guide
  2. 02Acts Endangering Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of IndiaSection 152, prohibited acts, required purpose and protection of lawful criticism.Read guide
  3. 03Promoting Enmity between GroupsProtected groups, prohibited expression, public harmony and required mental element.Read guide
  4. 04Offences Relating to ReligionPlaces of worship, religious feelings, assemblies and deliberate insult.Read guide
  5. 05Public NuisanceCommon injury, danger or annoyance affecting the public or people in the vicinity.Read guide
  6. 06Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and MoralsInfection, adulteration, negligent danger, obscenity and related public-welfare offences.Read guide

Core module

Offences Affecting Life and Organised Crime

  1. 01Culpable Homicide and MurderCausing death, intention, knowledge, special exceptions and the murder distinction.Read guide
  2. 02Causing Death by NegligenceGross negligence, causation, professional conduct and the BNS statutory framework.Read guide
  3. 03Attempt to MurderIntention or knowledge, overt act, injury and punishment.Read guide
  4. 04Organised CrimeContinuing unlawful activity, syndicates, material benefit and statutory thresholds.Read guide
  5. 05Petty Organised CrimeGroup-based recurring offences, specified conduct and proof of organised activity.Read guide
  6. 06Terrorist Act under BNSThreats to security, prohibited means, intention, consequences and special-law overlap.Read guide

Core module

Hurt, Force and Personal Liberty

  1. 01Hurt and Grievous HurtBodily pain, disease, infirmity, designated grievous injuries and aggravated forms.Read guide
  2. 02Criminal Force and AssaultUse of force, apprehension, absence of consent and aggravated purposes.Read guide
  3. 03Wrongful Restraint and Wrongful ConfinementObstruction, bounded limits, duration and aggravated confinement.Read guide
  4. 04Kidnapping and AbductionGuardianship, removal from India, force or deceit and purpose-based offences.Read guide
  5. 05Trafficking, Slavery and Forced LabourRecruitment and movement for exploitation, habitual dealing and unlawful compulsion to labour.Read guide

Core module

Offences against Women and Children

  1. 01Rape and the Legal Meaning of ConsentProhibited acts, unequivocal voluntary agreement, age and statutory circumstances.Read guide
  2. 02Punishment for Rape and Gang RapeAggravated situations, group liability, repeat offending and sentencing.Read guide
  3. 03Sexual Harassment, Disrobing, Voyeurism and StalkingDistinct ingredients, digital conduct, consent and aggravated liability.Read guide
  4. 04Marriage Offences, Cruelty and Dowry DeathDeceitful marriage, bigamy, cruelty, dowry-related death and presumptive rules.Read guide
  5. 05Causing Miscarriage and Offences against PregnancyConsent, saving life, aggravated outcomes and protection of the unborn child.Read guide
  6. 06Criminal Offences against ChildrenAbandonment, concealment of birth, exploitation, procurement and special-law overlap.Read guide

Core module

Offences against Property and Documents

  1. 01TheftDishonest moving of movable property without consent and aggravated forms.Read guide
  2. 02ExtortionFear of injury, dishonest inducement and delivery of property or valuable security.Read guide
  3. 03Robbery and DacoityAggravated theft or extortion, violence, immediacy and group participation.Read guide
  4. 04Criminal MisappropriationDishonest conversion of property already in a person's possession.Read guide
  5. 05Criminal Breach of TrustEntrustment, dominion, dishonest use or disposal and contractual directions.Read guide
  6. 06CheatingDeception, dishonest or fraudulent inducement, damage and intention from inception.Read guide
  7. 07Forgery and False DocumentsMaking false documents or electronic records, intent and aggravated uses.Read guide
  8. 08Mischief and Criminal TrespassWrongful damage, entry or remaining with prohibited intent, and aggravated forms.Read guide

Case law index

Leading authorities in this guide

Each case is attached to the exact element, exception or sentencing rule it helps explain.

  1. Chunni Bai v. State of Chhattisgarh 2025 INSC 577
  2. State of Maharashtra v. Mayer Hans George AIR 1965 SC 722
  3. Mobarik Ali Ahmed v. State of Bombay AIR 1957 SC 857
  4. GVK Industries Ltd. v. Income Tax Officer (2011) 4 SCC 36
  5. Manoj Tejraj Jain v. State of Gujarat 2025 INSC 1090
  6. Nathulal v. State of Madhya Pradesh AIR 1966 SC 43
  7. Mahbub Shah v. Emperor AIR 1945 PC 118
  8. Pandurang v. State of Hyderabad AIR 1955 SC 216
  9. Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980) 2 SCC 684
  10. Swamy Shraddananda (2) v. State of Karnataka (2008) 13 SCC 767
  11. Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2023) 2 SCC 353
  12. State of Orissa v. Ram Bahadur Thapa AIR 1960 Ori 161
  13. Chaman Lal v. State of Punjab AIR 1970 SC 1372
  14. Anowar Hussain v. Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee AIR 1965 SC 1651
  15. Rachapudi Subba Rao v. Advocate General (1981) 2 SCC 577
  16. Tunda v. Rex AIR 1950 All 95
  17. Sukhdev Singh v. Delhi State AIR 1953 SC 10
  18. R v. Dudley and Stephens (1884) 14 QBD 273
  19. Municipal Corporation of Delhi v. Subhagwanti AIR 1966 SC 1750
  20. Krishna Bhagwan v. State of Bihar 1989 Cri LJ 128 Pat
  21. Salil Bali v. Union of India (2013) 7 SCC 705
  22. Dahyabhai Chhaganbhai Thakkar v. State of Gujarat AIR 1964 SC 1563
  23. Surendra Mishra v. State of Jharkhand (2011) 11 SCC 495
  24. Basdev v. State of Pepsu AIR 1956 SC 488
  25. Director of Public Prosecutions v. Beard [1920] AC 479
  26. Kaini Rajan v. State of Kerala (2013) 9 SCC 113
  27. Poonai Fattemah v. Emperor AIR 1930 Cal 437
  28. Harbhajan Singh v. State of Punjab AIR 1966 SC 97
  29. Jacob Mathew v. State of Punjab (2005) 6 SCC 1
  30. R v. Hasan [2005] UKHL 22
  31. Veeda Menezes v. Yusuf Khan AIR 1966 SC 1773
  32. Darshan Singh v. State of Punjab (2010) 2 SCC 333
  33. James Martin v. State of Kerala (2004) 2 SCC 203
  34. Yogendra Morarji v. State of Gujarat (1980) 2 SCC 218
  35. Puran Singh v. State of Punjab (1975) 4 SCC 518
  36. Munshi Ram v. Delhi Administration AIR 1968 SC 702
  37. Masalti v. State of Uttar Pradesh AIR 1965 SC 202
  38. Lalji v. State of Uttar Pradesh (1989) 1 SCC 437
  39. Musa Khan v. State of Maharashtra (1977) 1 SCC 733
  40. Kehar Singh v. State (Delhi Administration) 1988 Supp SCC 711
  41. State v. Nalini (1999) 5 SCC 253
  42. Abhayanand Mishra v. State of Bihar AIR 1961 SC 1698
  43. State of Maharashtra v. Mohd. Yakub (1980) 3 SCC 57
  44. Jamuna Singh v. State of Bihar AIR 1967 SC 553
  45. Chitresh Kumar Chopra v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2009) 16 SCC 605
  46. Ramesh Kumar v. State of Chhattisgarh (2001) 9 SCC 618
  47. Geo Varghese v. State of Rajasthan (2021) 19 SCC 144
  48. State (NCT of Delhi) v. Navjot Sandhu (2005) 11 SCC 600
  49. Nazir Khan v. State of Delhi (2003) 8 SCC 461
  50. Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar AIR 1962 SC 955
  51. Balwant Singh v. State of Punjab (1995) 3 SCC 214
  52. Bilal Ahmed Kaloo v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1997) 7 SCC 431
  53. Amish Devgan v. Union of India (2021) 1 SCC 1
  54. Ramji Lal Modi v. State of Uttar Pradesh AIR 1957 SC 620
  55. Mahendra Singh Dhoni v. Yerraguntla Shyamsundar (2017) 7 SCC 760
  56. Municipal Council, Ratlam v. Vardhichand (1980) 4 SCC 162
  57. Kachrulal Bhagirath Agrawal v. State of Maharashtra (2005) 9 SCC 36
  58. Aveek Sarkar v. State of West Bengal (2014) 4 SCC 257
  59. State of Andhra Pradesh v. Rayavarapu Punnayya (1976) 4 SCC 382
  60. Virsa Singh v. State of Punjab AIR 1958 SC 465
  61. Alister Anthony Pareira v. State of Maharashtra (2012) 2 SCC 648
  62. State of Madhya Pradesh v. Saleem (2005) 5 SCC 554
  63. Hari Singh v. Sukhbir Singh (1988) 4 SCC 551
  64. State of Maharashtra v. Bharat Shanti Lal Shah (2008) 13 SCC 5
  65. Zameer Ahmed Latifur Rehman Sheikh v. State of Maharashtra (2010) 5 SCC 246
  66. Kartar Singh v. State of Punjab (1994) 3 SCC 569
  67. Hitendra Vishnu Thakur v. State of Maharashtra (1994) 4 SCC 602
  68. Mathai v. State of Kerala (2005) 3 SCC 260
  69. Jashanmal Jhamatmal v. Brahmanand Sarupananda AIR 1944 Sind 19
  70. Rupan Deol Bajaj v. K.P.S. Gill (1995) 6 SCC 194
  71. Muneshwar Bux Singh v. State AIR 1956 All 199
  72. State of Gujarat v. Keshav Lai Maganbhai Gujoyan 1993 Supp (1) SCC 149
  73. Shyamlal Sharma v. State of Madhya Pradesh AIR 1972 SC 886
  74. S. Varadarajan v. State of Madras AIR 1965 SC 942
  75. Thakorlal D. Vadgama v. State of Gujarat (1973) 2 SCC 413
  76. Vishal Jeet v. Union of India (1990) 3 SCC 318
  77. People's Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (1982) 3 SCC 235
  78. State of Punjab v. Gurmit Singh (1996) 2 SCC 384
  79. Mukesh v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2017) 6 SCC 1
  80. Apparel Export Promotion Council v. A.K. Chopra (1999) 1 SCC 759
  81. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) 6 SCC 241
  82. Satbir Singh v. State of Haryana (2021) 6 SCC 1
  83. Kans Raj v. State of Punjab (2000) 5 SCC 207
  84. Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration (2009) 9 SCC 1
  85. X v. Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department 2022 SCC OnLine SC 1321
  86. Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (2011) 5 SCC 1
  87. Independent Thought v. Union of India (2017) 10 SCC 800
  88. Pyare Lal Bhargava v. State of Rajasthan AIR 1963 SC 1094
  89. K.N. Mehra v. State of Rajasthan AIR 1957 SC 369
  90. Romesh Chandra Arora v. State AIR 1960 SC 154
  91. Dhananjay v. State of Bihar (2007) 14 SCC 768
  92. Phool Kumar v. Delhi Administration (1975) 1 SCC 797
  93. Shyam Behari v. State of Uttar Pradesh AIR 1957 SC 320
  94. Ramaswami Nadar v. State of Madras AIR 1958 SC 56
  95. U. Dhar v. State of Jharkhand (2003) 2 SCC 219
  96. Velji Raghavji Patel v. State of Maharashtra AIR 1965 SC 1433
  97. S.W. Palanitkar v. State of Bihar (2002) 1 SCC 241
  98. Hridaya Ranjan Prasad Verma v. State of Bihar (2000) 4 SCC 168
  99. Vesa Holdings Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Kerala (2015) 8 SCC 293
  100. Mohammed Ibrahim v. State of Bihar (2009) 8 SCC 751
  101. Sheila Sebastian v. R. Jawaharaj (2018) 7 SCC 581
  102. Indian Oil Corporation v. NEPC India Ltd. (2006) 6 SCC 736
  103. Mathri v. State of Punjab AIR 1964 SC 986
Current-law approach

BNS, in force from 1 July 2024 except section 106(2), leads the subject. Finished guides alone enter search and the notes sitemap.