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Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

Section 33

Public to give information of certain offences

Quick Answer Reference: Section 33 BNSS

  • Provision: Section 33 of BNSS
  • Act: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
  • Classification: POWERS OF SUPERIOR OFFICERS OF POLICE AND AID TO THE MAGISTRATES AND THE POLICE
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Summary: This section requires anyone aware of certain serious crimes or intentions to commit them to immediately inform the nearest magistrate or police officer.
Statutory Content

What does Section 33 of BNSS say?

(1) Every person, aware of the commission of, or of the intention of any other person to commit, any offence punishable under any of the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, namely:— (i) sections 103 to 105 (both inclusive); (ii) sections 111 to 113 (both inclusive); (iii) sections 140 to 144 (both inclusive); (iv) sections 147 to 154 (both inclusive) and section 158; (v) sections 178 to 182 (both inclusive); (vi) sections 189 and 191; (vii) sections 274 to 280 (both inclusive); (viii) section 307; (ix) sections 309 to 312 (both inclusive); (x) sub-section (5) of section 316; (xi) sections 326 to 328 (both inclusive); and (xii) sections 331 and 332, upon the person so aware, forthwith give information to the nearest Magistrate or police officer of such commission or intention. (2) For the purposes of this section, the term “offence” includes any act committed at any place out of India which would constitute an offence if committed in India.

Indian StandardSection 33, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Bluebook (21st ed.)Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, § 33 (India)
Court Pleading StandardSection 33 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Canonical Web linkhttps://nyaya.cloud/acts/bharatiya-nagarik-suraksha-sanhita/33

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Source: Gazette of India (Official Publication)Verify egazette.gov.in ↗
✓ VERIFIED FOR LEGAL ACCURACYReviewed & certified by Advocate Arjun Choudhury (Bar Council ID: D/8734/2015).
AI Educational GuideAI-generated explanation for educational and research purposes. Original statutory text is preserved exactly.
Section Meaning & Purpose

What does Section 33 of BNSS mean?

Plain English Explanation

This section requires anyone aware of certain serious crimes or intentions to commit them to immediately inform the nearest magistrate or police officer.

Practical Interpretation

In practice, this means individuals must report knowledge of specific offences to authorities without delay, ensuring timely intervention and justice.

Core Legal Purpose

The core purpose is to encourage public participation in crime prevention and reporting, aiding law enforcement in their duties.

Key Legal Elements
  • Awareness of the commission or intention to commit specified offences
  • Knowledge of the offences as defined under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
  • The legal test is the awareness of the offence or intention, triggering the duty to inform
  • No explicit exceptions are provided, implying a broad applicability
Practical Example

Practical Example of Section 33 BNSS

Rajesh witnesses Amit planning to commit a serious offence under section 307. Rajesh must immediately inform the nearest police officer or magistrate about Amit's intention, fulfilling his duty under this section.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions about Section 33 BNSS

Q: What is the punishment or consequence under Section 33 of BNSS?

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

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

The section applies to every person, implying both private individuals and public entities are obligated to report.

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

This section does not classify offences as bailable or cognizable; it mandates reporting of specified offences.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Common Questions about Section 33 BNSS

What is Section 33 of BNSS?

Section 33 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) defines and regulates "Public to give information of certain offences". In plain terms: This section requires anyone aware of certain serious crimes or intentions to commit them to immediately inform the nearest magistrate or police officer.

What is the punishment under Section 33 of BNSS?

Section 33 of BNSS does not prescribe a specific criminal punishment, or it is a procedural provision.

Is Section 33 of BNSS bailable or non-bailable?

Whether Section 33 of BNSS is bailable or non-bailable depends on the schedule classification.

What are the elements of Section 33 of BNSS?

The essential elements of Section 33 of BNSS are: Awareness of the commission or intention to commit specified offences; Knowledge of the offences as defined under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; The legal test is the awareness of the offence or intention, triggering the duty to inform.

Landmark Case Laws

Landmark Judgments under Section 33 BNSS

2014 8 SCC 273

Supreme Court of India

1978 1 SCC 248

Supreme Court of India

2017 10 SCC 1

Supreme Court of India

2013 2 SCC 1

Supreme Court of India

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