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Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

Section 242

Offences of same kind within year may be charged together

Quick Answer Reference: Section 242 BNSS

  • Provision: Section 242 of BNSS
  • Act: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
  • Classification: THE CHARGE
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Summary: This section allows a person to be charged and tried for multiple similar crimes committed within a year, as long as they are not more than five. The crimes are considered similar if they carry the same punishment under the same section of the law.
Statutory Content

What does Section 242 of BNSS say?

(1) When a person is accused of more offences than one of the same kind committed within the space of twelve months from the first to the last of such offences, whether in respect of the same person or not, he may be charged with, and tried at one trial for, any number of them not exceeding five. (2) Offences are of the same kind when they are punishable with the same amount of punishment under the same section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 or of any special or local law: Provided that for the purposes of this section, an offence punishable under sub-section (2) of section 303 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 shall be deemed to be an offence of the same kind as an offence punishable under section 305 of the said Sanhita, and that an offence punishable under any section of the said Sanhita, or of any special or local law, shall be deemed to be an offence of the same kind as an attempt to commit such offence, when such an attempt is an offence.

Indian StandardSection 242, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Bluebook (21st ed.)Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, § 242 (India)
Court Pleading StandardSection 242 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Canonical Web linkhttps://nyaya.cloud/acts/bharatiya-nagarik-suraksha-sanhita/242

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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).
AI Educational GuideAI-generated explanation for educational and research purposes. Original statutory text is preserved exactly.
Section Meaning & Purpose

What does Section 242 of BNSS mean?

Plain English Explanation

This section allows a person to be charged and tried for multiple similar crimes committed within a year, as long as they are not more than five. The crimes are considered similar if they carry the same punishment under the same section of the law.

Practical Interpretation

In real-life practice, this section means that if a person commits multiple similar crimes within a year, they can be tried for all of them at once, as long as the total number of crimes does not exceed five. This can simplify the trial process and reduce the number of court appearances.

Core Legal Purpose

The core purpose of this section is to streamline the trial process for individuals who commit multiple similar crimes within a short period. By allowing them to be tried for all crimes at once, the section aims to reduce the burden on the court system and promote efficiency in the administration of justice.

Key Legal Elements
  • The person must be accused of more than one offence.
  • The offences must be of the same kind, meaning they are punishable with the same amount of punishment under the same section of the law.
  • The offences must have been committed within a period of twelve months from the first to the last of such offences.
  • The total number of offences charged together must not exceed five.
Practical Example

Practical Example of Section 242 BNSS

Rajesh is accused of committing three cases of theft within a year. Each case carries the same punishment under the same section of the law. Under Section 242 of BNSS, Rajesh can be charged and tried for all three cases at once, as long as the total number of cases does not exceed five. This can simplify the trial process and reduce the number of court appearances.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions about Section 242 BNSS

Q: What is the punishment or consequence under Section 242 of BNSS?

This section is a procedural provision and does not prescribe a penal punishment. The punishment for the offences charged under this section will be determined by the relevant sections of the law.

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

This section applies to both private individuals and public entities, as long as they are accused of committing multiple similar crimes within a year.

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

The bailability and cognizability of an offence under this section will depend on the nature of the offence and the relevant provisions of the law. This section does not provide any information on the bailability or cognizability of the offence.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Common Questions about Section 242 BNSS

What is Section 242 of BNSS?

Section 242 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) defines and regulates "Offences of same kind within year may be charged together". In plain terms: This section allows a person to be charged and tried for multiple similar crimes committed within a year, as long as they are not more than five. The crimes are considered similar if they carry the same punishment under the same section of the law.

What is the punishment under Section 242 of BNSS?

Section 242 of BNSS does not prescribe a specific criminal punishment, or it is a procedural provision.

Is Section 242 of BNSS bailable or non-bailable?

Whether Section 242 of BNSS is bailable or non-bailable depends on the schedule classification.

What are the elements of Section 242 of BNSS?

The essential elements of Section 242 of BNSS are: The person must be accused of more than one offence.; The offences must be of the same kind, meaning they are punishable with the same amount of punishment under the same section of the law.; The offences must have been committed within a period of twelve months from the first to the last of such offences..

Landmark Case Laws

Landmark Judgments under Section 242 BNSS

2014 8 SCC 273

Supreme Court of India

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)

1978 1 SCC 248

Supreme Court of India

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