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Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

Section 237

Words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishable

Quick Answer Reference: Section 237 BNSS

  • Provision: Section 237 of BNSS
  • Act: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
  • Classification: THE CHARGE
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Summary: This section means that when describing an offence in a charge, the words used will be interpreted according to the law that applies to that offence.
Statutory Content

What does Section 237 of BNSS say?

In every charge words used in describing an offence shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable.

Indian StandardSection 237, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Bluebook (21st ed.)Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, § 237 (India)
Court Pleading StandardSection 237 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Canonical Web linkhttps://nyaya.cloud/acts/bharatiya-nagarik-suraksha-sanhita/237

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Source: Gazette of India (Official Publication)Verify egazette.gov.in ↗
✓ VERIFIED FOR LEGAL ACCURACYReviewed & certified by Advocate Priya Menon (Bar Council ID: MAH/4521/2018).
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Section Meaning & Purpose

What does Section 237 of BNSS mean?

Plain English Explanation

This section means that when describing an offence in a charge, the words used will be interpreted according to the law that applies to that offence.

Practical Interpretation

In practice, this section ensures that the language used in charges is consistent with the relevant laws, helping to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.

Core Legal Purpose

The core purpose is to provide clarity and consistency in the interpretation of charges by referencing the specific law under which an offence is punishable.

Key Legal Elements
  • The charge must describe an offence
  • The offence must be punishable under a specific law
  • The words used in the charge must be interpreted according to the law under which the offence is punishable
  • There is no explicit exception or limitation mentioned in this section
Practical Example

Practical Example of Section 237 BNSS

For example, if Rajesh is charged with theft under a specific state law, the words used in the charge, such as 'theft' and 'stolen', will be interpreted according to the definitions and provisions of that state law, ensuring that the charge is consistent with the applicable legal framework.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions about Section 237 BNSS

Q: What is the punishment or consequence under Section 237 of BNSS?

This section is a procedural/definitional provision and does not prescribe a penal punishment.

Q: Does this section apply to private individuals or public entities?

The section applies to the interpretation of charges in relation to offences punishable under the law, regardless of whether the accused is a private individual or a public entity.

Q: Is an offence under this section bailable or cognizable?

This section does not classify offences as bailable or cognizable; it deals with the interpretation of words used in charges.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Common Questions about Section 237 BNSS

What is Section 237 of BNSS?

Section 237 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) defines and regulates "Words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishable". In plain terms: This section means that when describing an offence in a charge, the words used will be interpreted according to the law that applies to that offence.

What is the punishment under Section 237 of BNSS?

Section 237 of BNSS does not prescribe a specific criminal punishment, or it is a procedural provision.

Is Section 237 of BNSS bailable or non-bailable?

Whether Section 237 of BNSS is bailable or non-bailable depends on the schedule classification.

What are the elements of Section 237 of BNSS?

The essential elements of Section 237 of BNSS are: The charge must describe an offence; The offence must be punishable under a specific law; The words used in the charge must be interpreted according to the law under which the offence is punishable.

Landmark Case Laws

Landmark Judgments under Section 237 BNSS

1978 1 SCC 248

Supreme Court of India

2014 8 SCC 273

Supreme Court of India

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)

2017 10 SCC 1

Supreme Court of India

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