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Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

Section 384

Procedure in certain cases of contempt

Quick Answer Reference: Section 384 BNSS

  • Provision: Section 384 of BNSS
  • Act: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
  • Classification: PROVISIONS AS TO OFFENCES AFFECTING THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Summary: This section allows a court to punish someone for contempt if they commit certain offenses in the court's presence, with a fine or imprisonment.
Statutory Content

What does Section 384 of BNSS say?

(1) When any such offence as is described in section 210, section 213, section 214, section 215 or section 267 of Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023) is committed in the view or presence of any Civil, Criminal, or Revenue Court, the Court may cause the offender to be detained in custody, and may, at any time before the rising of the the Bharatiya Nyaya Court on the same day, take cognizance of the offence and, after giving the offender a reasonable opportunity of showing cause why he should not be punished under this section, sentence the offender to fine not exceeding one thousand rupees, and, in default of payment of fine, to simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, unless such fine be sooner paid. (2) In every such case the Court shall record the fact constituting the offence, with the statement (if any) made by the offender, as well as the finding and sentence. (3) If the offence is under section 267 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), the record shall show the nature and stage of the judicial proceeding in which the Court interrupted or insulted was sitting, and the nature of the interruption or insult.

Indian StandardSection 384, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Bluebook (21st ed.)Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, § 384 (India)
Court Pleading StandardSection 384 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Canonical Web linkhttps://nyaya.cloud/acts/bharatiya-nagarik-suraksha-sanhita/384

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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 384 of BNSS mean?

Plain English Explanation

This section allows a court to punish someone for contempt if they commit certain offenses in the court's presence, with a fine or imprisonment.

Practical Interpretation

In practice, this section gives courts the power to immediately address and punish contemptuous behavior that disrupts proceedings, ensuring order and respect in the courtroom.

Core Legal Purpose

The core purpose is to maintain the dignity and authority of the court by providing a swift and effective mechanism to deal with contemptuous acts committed in its presence.

Key Legal Elements
  • The offence must be one described in sections 210, 213, 214, 215, or 267 of the Sanhita, 2023.
  • The offence must be committed in the view or presence of a Civil, Criminal, or Revenue Court.
  • The court must give the offender a reasonable opportunity to show cause why they should not be punished.
  • The punishment is limited to a fine not exceeding one thousand rupees or simple imprisonment for up to one month.
Practical Example

Practical Example of Section 384 BNSS

Rajesh, while attending a hearing in a Bharatiya Nyaya Court, shouts at the judge, disrupting the proceedings. The court, under Section 384, detains Rajesh and, after giving him a chance to explain his behavior, fines him five hundred rupees for contempt. If Rajesh fails to pay the fine, he may be imprisoned for up to one month.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions about Section 384 BNSS

Q: What is the punishment or consequence under Section 384 of BNSS?

The punishment under this section is a fine not exceeding one thousand rupees, and in default of payment of the fine, simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month.

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

This section applies to anyone who commits the specified offenses in the presence of a court, regardless of whether they are a private individual or a public entity.

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

The statutory text does not explicitly classify the offence as bailable or cognizable, focusing instead on the procedure for contempt in the court's presence.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Common Questions about Section 384 BNSS

What is Section 384 of BNSS?

Section 384 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) defines and regulates "Procedure in certain cases of contempt". In plain terms: This section allows a court to punish someone for contempt if they commit certain offenses in the court's presence, with a fine or imprisonment.

What is the punishment under Section 384 of BNSS?

Section 384 of BNSS does not prescribe a specific criminal punishment, or it is a procedural provision.

Is Section 384 of BNSS bailable or non-bailable?

Whether Section 384 of BNSS is bailable or non-bailable depends on the schedule classification.

What are the elements of Section 384 of BNSS?

The essential elements of Section 384 of BNSS are: The offence must be one described in sections 210, 213, 214, 215, or 267 of the Sanhita, 2023.; The offence must be committed in the view or presence of a Civil, Criminal, or Revenue Court.; The court must give the offender a reasonable opportunity to show cause why they should not be punished..

Landmark Case Laws

Landmark Judgments under Section 384 BNSS

2014 8 SCC 273

Supreme Court of India

2017 10 SCC 1

Supreme Court of India

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)

2013 2 SCC 1

Supreme Court of India

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)