14/08/2026
BNS Section 1 — Short Note
Section 1 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) deals with the title, extent and commencement of the Sanhita.
✅Key points:
Short title: The law is called the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
✅Extent: It extends to the whole of India.
Extra-territorial application: In certain circumstances, BNS can also apply to offences committed outside India, particularly where the offender or conduct falls within the situations specified by the Sanhita.
✅Commencement: BNS came into force on 1 July 2024, except Section 106(2), which was not brought into force at that time.
✅Replacement of IPC: BNS replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) as the principal substantive criminal law of India.
✅Important distinction: Section 1 primarily establishes the identity, territorial scope and commencement of BNS; it does not itself prescribe a punishment for an offence.