Question Short Answer

- Replaces colonial-era laws like IPC with a modern framework.

1. What is the purpose and significance of the
- Ensures fairness, victim-centric reforms, and reduces procedural
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023?
delays (e.g., e-FIRs).
- Cognizable offences allow police to arrest/investigate without
2. How does BNSS, 2023, define and address
magistrate approval for serious crimes (e.g., murder).
"Cognizable Offences"?
- Ensures immediate police intervention to prevent harm.
- Represents the state, ensuring fair prosecution and timely trial
3. What is the role of Public Prosecutors under completion.
BNSS, 2023? - Coordinates with police for evidence submission and filing charges
within specified timelines.
4. What are the provisions for e-FIRs under BNSS, - Allows online filing of complaints for specific crimes (e.g., cyber fraud).
2023?
- Simplifies access to justice and encourages timely reporting.
- Sections 125–143 empower magistrates/police to maintain peace
5. How does BNSS address preventive and (e.g., bonds for good behavior).
precautionary measures? - Includes preventive actions during communal tensions or public order
threats.
- Sections 197–209 clarify jurisdiction based on crime location/nature.
6. How does BNSS handle jurisdictional issues in
criminal trials? - Reduces procedural delays by designating specific courts for
cybercrimes or sensitive cases.
- Focuses on compensation, rehabilitation, and victim safety during
trials.
7. What victim-centric reforms are introduced in
BNSS, 2023? - Mandates prioritizing victim welfare over procedural delays (e.g., legal
aid for sexual offence victims).

- Recognizes modern crimes like hacking/phishing with specialized

investigation techniques.
8. How does BNSS, 2023, address cybercrimes?
- Encourages digital evidence submissions and forensic technologies to
expedite justice delivery.
- A complaint is an oral/written allegation to a magistrate about an
offence committed.
9. How does BNSS define the term "Complaint"?
- Initiates legal proceedings in criminal matters (e.g., fraud complaints).
- Replaces outdated colonial laws with frameworks aligned to Indian
constitutional values (e.g., time-bound trials).
10. What de-colonization efforts are evident in
BNSS, 2023? - Introduces digital systems like e-FIRs to reflect modern governance
needs.
 - Includes digital filings, real-time updates, and online case tracking
systems.
11. How does BNSS enhance judicial transparency?
- Builds public trust by ensuring accountability in legal proceedings
(e.g., tracking complaint progress).
- Sections 453–477 outline execution processes (e.g., imprisonment or
12. What does BNSS, 2023, state about the fines) with mechanisms for suspension/remission if appropriate.
execution of sentences?
- High Court confirmation is mandatory for death sentences before
execution.
- Sections 513–530 specify time limits based on offence severity (e.g.,
13. How does BNSS, 2023, address limitations for six months for minor offences).
taking cognizance of offences? - Prevents indefinite delays in prosecution to ensure timely justice
delivery.
- Sections 307–366 emphasize accuracy/fairness while recording
14. What are the provisions for recording evidence evidence (e.g., via electronic means).
under BNSS, 2023? - Victims of sensitive cases can testify via video conferencing to ensure
privacy/safety during trials.
- Sections 210-233 outline conditions like filing a complaint, charge
1. What are the requisite conditions for initiating sheet, or magistrate's order.
criminal proceedings under BNSS, 2023?
- Requires prima facie evidence or facts disclosed during investigation.
- Sections 234-247 require clear and specific allegations against the
2. What are the provisions for framing charges accused.
under BNSS, 2023?
- Charges inform the accused of the offence to ensure a fair trial.
- Sections 248-260 govern trial procedures, focusing on evidence and
3. How does BNSS address trials before the Court of witness testimonies.
Sessions?
- Includes reading charges, plea of the accused, and recording evidence.
- Sections 261-273 cover offences punishable with more than two years
4. What are the procedures for warrant cases tried
of imprisonment.
by magistrates under BNSS, 2023? - Requires framing charges, examining evidence, and hearing both
parties before judgment.
- Sections 274-282 govern less severe offences with expedited hearings
5. How does BNSS regulate summons cases tried by and no formal charges.
magistrates? - Focuses on quick adjudication for cases like public nuisance or petty
theft.
- Sections 289-300 allow accused to plead guilty in exchange for
reduced sentences.
6. What is plea bargaining under BNSS, 2023?
- Reduces trial backlogs and promotes quicker case resolution.
 - Sections 301-306 ensure attendance via physical or virtual means with
7. What are the provisions for ensuring prisoners' warrants issued if necessary.
attendance in court under BNSS, 2023?
- Prevents trial delays due to non-appearance of detained persons.
- Sections 283-288 provide simplified procedures for petty offences with
minimal evidence presentation.
8. How does BNSS regulate summary trials?
- Ensures speedy disposal of cases like trespassing or minor thefts.
- Sections 307-366 emphasize accuracy and fairness in recording
evidence, including digital means like video conferencing for sensitive
9. What are the provisions for recording evidence
cases.
under BNSS, 2023?
- Protects witnesses and ensures reliability of evidence collection.
- Sections 367-391 address rights and procedures for mentally ill
accused, including medical evaluations and fitness considerations for
10. What are the provisions for handling accused
trial.
persons of unsound mind?
- Focuses on humane treatment and fair representation during
proceedings.
- Sections 413-445 provide mechanisms for challenging lower court
decisions to correct errors in judgments or procedures.
11. How does BNSS handle appeals and revisions?
- Ensures higher courts can review fairness and legality of trials or
sentences imposed by lower courts.
- Sections 453-477 outline carrying out sentences, suspensions, or
12. What are the provisions for execution, reductions based on specific criteria like good behavior or mercy
suspension, and remission of sentences under petitions.
BNSS? - Balances justice delivery with considerations of reform and reformation
goals.
- Sections 307-366 govern procedures for recording evidence.
1. What are the provisions for taking and recording - Emphasizes accuracy, fairness, and witness protection.
evidence under BNSS, 2023?
- Allows digital recording and video conferencing for sensitive cases.
- Sections 367-391 outline handling procedures for mentally unfit
2. What does BNSS, 2023, say about accused accused.
persons of unsound mind? - Includes medical examination and suspension of trial if unfit.
- Focuses on humane treatment and rehabilitation.
- Sections 407-412 mandate High Court confirmation before execution.
3. What are the procedures for submitting a death
sentence for confirmation?
- High Court reviews trial court judgment and mitigating factors.
- Sections 413-435 provide mechanisms for appealing lower court
judgments
4. How does BNSS regulate appeals?
- Ensures higher courts can rectify errors or review fairness of trials.
 - Sections 436-445 allow higher courts to revise decisions for legal
5. What are the provisions for revision under BNSS,
errors or irregularities.
2023?
- Serves as a corrective mechanism ensuring judicial fairness.
- Sections 446-452 empower courts to transfer cases ensuring fair
6. How does BNSS, 2023, address the transfer of trials.
criminal cases? - Transfers occur to neutral jurisdictions if bias or local influence is
suspected.
- Sections 453-477 deal with implementation, suspension, or remission
7. What does BNSS, 2023, say about the execution of sentences.
of sentences? - Includes provisions for mercy petitions and early release based on
good behavior.
- Sections 478-505 provide guidelines balancing individual liberty with
8. How does BNSS regulate provisions for bail and trial attendance assurance.
bonds? - Includes conditions like surety bonds and procedural standards for
granting bail in non-bailable offences (e.g., Arnesh Kumar v. State).
- Sections 506-512 address procedural errors in trials that may impact
9. What are irregular proceedings under BNSS, justice delivery.
2023? - Minor errors can be corrected without invalidating trials unless
substantial injustice occurs (e.g., Zahira Sheikh v. State of Gujarat).
- Sections 513-530 specify time limits based on offence severity (e.g.,
10. What are the limitations for taking cognizance six months for minor offences).
of offences under BNSS? - Prevents indefinite delays in prosecution ensuring timely justice (e.g.,
State of Punjab v. Sarwan Singh).
- BNSS provides guidelines balancing justice with compassion under
11. What is the significance of suspension, specific circumstances (e.g., good behavior).
remission, and commutation of sentences? - Focuses on reformative approaches ensuring judicial discretion in
altering sentences (e.g., Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab).
- Mandates compliance with natural justice principles, unbiased
proceedings, and adequate representation (e.g., Zahira Sheikh v. State
12. How does BNSS, 2023, ensure fair trial
of Gujarat).
principles?
- Includes victim protection measures like legal aid and safe deposition
facilities during trials.
- Consolidates laws for children in conflict with the law and children in
1. What is the objective of the Juvenile Justice need of care and protection.
(Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015? - Focuses on rehabilitation, social reintegration, and child-friendly
procedures.
- A person below 18 years of age as per Section 2(12).
2. Who is defined as a "child" under the Juvenile
- Includes children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and
Justice Act, 2015?
protection.
 - Emphasizes principles like the best interest of the child, family
3. What are the general principles of care and responsibility, and child-friendly behavior (Section 3).
protection under the Act? - Ensures decisions prioritize the child’s physical and emotional well-
being.
- Handles cases involving juveniles in conflict with the law (Section 4).
4. What is the role of the Juvenile Justice Board
(JJB) under the Act? - Conducts inquiries, ensures legal representation, and recommends
rehabilitation measures.
- Mandates age determination, diversion, and rehabilitation (Sections
5. What are child-friendly procedures under the 10–16).
Juvenile Justice Act? - Juveniles cannot be tried as adults except in heinous crimes under
strict scrutiny.
- Includes abandoned, abused, or neglected children (Section 2(14)).
6. How are children in need of care and protection
addressed under the Act? - The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) oversees their care,
rehabilitation, and protection.
- Governed by Sections 56–73 to ensure children are placed in suitable
7. What are the provisions for adoption under the families.
Act? - Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) oversees inter-country
and domestic adoptions.
- Chapter VII outlines rehabilitation through counseling, education,
8. How does the Act address rehabilitation and vocational training, and aftercare programs.
social reintegration of juveniles?
- Aims to reintegrate juveniles into society as responsible individuals.
- Chapter IX lists offences like cruelty, child trafficking, exploitation,
9. What offences against children are penalized etc., with strict penalties.
under the Act? - Protects children from abuse within families and institutions (e.g.,
Section 75 for cruelty).
- Chapter X includes monitoring by District Child Protection Units and
10. What are the miscellaneous provisions of the rule-making authority.
Juvenile Justice Act, 2015? - Ensures proper implementation across states through task forces or
committees.
- Sections 21–25 prohibit publication of details or penalizing juveniles
11. What are the safeguards against criminalizing for non-serious offences.
juveniles for minor offences? - Focuses on confidentiality and non-punitive actions for minor
infractions like shoplifting.
- Special homes provide safe custody and reformation for juveniles
under rehabilitation orders.
12. What is the role of special homes under the
Juvenile Justice Act? - Offer education, counseling, and vocational training in a secure
environment to aid reformative justice.
 - Protects children under 18 from sexual offences (assault, harassment,
pornography).
1. What is the objective of the POCSO Act, 2012?
- Ensures child-friendly mechanisms for reporting, recording evidence,
and conducting trials.
- Section 3: Penetration of penis, object, or body part into vagina,
2. How does the POCSO Act define "penetrative mouth, urethra, or anus of a child.
sexual assault"? - Includes manipulation causing penetration or forcing a child to perform
oral sex.
- Section 5: Assaults by persons in positions of trust (e.g., police
3. What constitutes "aggravated penetrative sexual
officers, relatives, public servants).
assault" under the POCSO Act?
- Recognizes abuse of authority and imposes harsher penalties.
- Section 11: Words, gestures, or acts with sexual intent toward a child
4. What are the provisions for "sexual harassment" are criminalized.
under the POCSO Act? - Protects children from psychological harm caused by non-physical acts
of sexual nature.
- Section 13: Criminalizes creating, distributing, or storing pornographic
5. How does the POCSO Act address the use of material involving children.
children for pornographic purposes?
- Recognizes exploitation in digital age and imposes severe penalties.
- Section 19: Mandatory reporting to police or Special Juvenile Police
6. What are the reporting obligations under the
Unit if aware of an offence against a child.
POCSO Act?
- Failure to report is punishable under Section 21.
- Sections 33–38: Ensure child-friendly procedures like in-camera trials
7. What protections are provided to children during and protection from direct cross-examination.
trial under the POCSO Act? - Prevents exposure to accused and minimizes trauma during judicial
proceedings.
- Section 23: Prohibits disclosure of a child victim’s identity in media or
8. How does the POCSO Act ensure the
public forums.
confidentiality of victims?
- Ensures privacy and protects victims from societal stigma.
- Section 22: Penalizes knowingly filing false complaints or providing
9. How does the POCSO Act address false false information about offences against children.
complaints? - Deters misuse while protecting genuine victims from harm caused by
false allegations.
- Section 28: Establishes Special Courts for speedy trials and child-
10. What is the role of Special Courts under the friendly procedures in cases involving sexual offences against children.
POCSO Act?
- Focuses on minimizing trauma and ensuring justice for child victims
through expeditious trials.
- Sections 16–18: Penalizes abetment or attempts to commit offences
with punishments similar to completed offences.
11. What penalties are prescribed for abetment or
attempt to commit sexual offences under the Act? - Prevents preparatory acts that could facilitate harm to children or lead
to sexual offences.
 - Section 20: Mandates media entities to report offences against
children they become aware of while maintaining confidentiality of
12. What are the obligations of media under the victim identity (Section 23).
POCSO Act?
- Encourages responsible reporting without revealing identifiable details
of victims to protect their dignity and privacy.
Disclaimer
These short answer compilation, shared freely by Hemant Patil, GLC Mumbai Batch of 2025, are intended to benefit all law students
without discrimination. While redistribution is encouraged, I do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content, and
any reliance is at your own risk. I am not liable for any loss or damage arising from their use. This compilation will be updated until
my exams, after which no further changes will be made. For the latest version, please contact me at hbpatil@gmail.com I would
be happy to connect with you on my professional legal network via an invitation on https://shorturl.at/e2PZY