Death penalty under BNS and Other Special Acts

 

Chambers of Ishaan Garg

Ch. No. 217, Western Wing, District & Sessions Court, Tis Hazari, New Delhi, Delhi 110054

+91 8851742417, +91 8800386163


The death penalty in India is governed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and various special acts, representing the most severe form of punishment for heinous crimes. Here's a comprehensive overview:


Death Penalty Provisions in BNS 2023

The BNS contains multiple sections that prescribe capital punishment for serious offenses:


Sexual Offenses:

Section 65(2): Rape of a child below 12 years of age

Section 66: Rape causing death or leaving the victim in a persistent vegetative state, punishable with rigorous imprisonment of not less than 20 years, life imprisonment, or death penalty

Section 70(2): Gang rape of a child under 18 years of age

Section 71: Repeat offenders of rape (those previously convicted under Sections 64/65/66/70) face life imprisonment or capital punishment


Murder and Violence:

Section 103(1): Murder is punishable with death penalty or life imprisonment along with fine

Section 103(2): Mob lynching

Section 104: Murder by a prisoner serving life sentence

Section 109(2): Attempted murder by a prisoner serving life sentence


Organized Crime and Terrorism:

Section 111(2)(a): Organized crime resulting in death, punishable with capital punishment or life imprisonment along with minimum fine of Rs 10 lakhs

Section 113(2)(a): Terrorist acts resulting in death of a person


Other Serious Offenses:

Section 140(2): Kidnapping or abducting for murder or ransom

Section 147: Treason against the Government of India

Section 160: Abetment of mutiny if mutiny is actually committed

Section 107: Abetment of suicide of a child or person of unsound mind

Section 230(2): Fabricating false evidence resulting in death of an innocent person

Section 232(2): Threatening for false evidence resulting in death

Section 310(3): Dacoity with murder


Death Penalty in Special Acts

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985:


Section 31A: Death penalty for repeat offenders in cases involving commercial quantities of narcotic drugs, though this was made optional for judges in 2014


Other Special Acts:

Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987: For abetment of sati

Explosive Substances Act, 1908: For offenses likely to endanger life


State Organized Crime Acts: Maharashtra and Karnataka acts provide death penalty for organized crime resulting in death

Under SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act), 1989 giving false evidence leading to the execution of an innocent member belonging to the SC or ST would attract the death penalty.

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967; Army, Navy and Air Force Acts also provide the death penalty for certain specified offences committed by members of the armed forces.


Exemptions

Certain categories are exempted from capital punishment:

Juveniles: No minor in conflict with law can be sentenced to death under the Juvenile Justice Act

People with mental illness: Supreme Court precedent exempts those with mental illness or insanity