II: Paper-IV: Law of Crimes (BNS)

Subject introduction

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitha (Law of Crimes): This subject introduces students to the foundational principles of criminal law under modern Indian legislation, distinguishing crimes from civil wrongs and outlining stages of crime alongside actus reus and mens rea. It provides a comprehensive study of specific substantive offenses ranging from crimes against the human body and property to offenses against the state and public tranquility.

Syllabus

PAPER - IV

BHARATIYA NYAYA SANHITHA (LAW OF CRIMES)

• Unit-I: Concept of crime - Meaning of crime, Distinction between crime and tort, Stages of crime - Intention, Preparation, Attempt and Commission of Crime, Elements of crime - Actus Reus and Mensrea, Codification of Law of crimes in India, Application of the BNS 2023 - Territorial and Extra-Territorial application (Section 1 of BNS), Definition (Section 2 of BNS), Punishments (Section of BNS).

• Unit-II: General Explanations - General Exceptions under BNS 2023, Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy, Attempt, Offences against Women and Child (Sections 63-67 of BNS) - Sexual Offences, Assault and Criminal force against Women, Kidnapping and Abduction, Offences relating to Marriage, Causing Miscarriage, Offences against Child (Sections 88-89 of BNS 2023).

• Unit-III: Offences affecting Human Life (Sections 100-113 of BNS 2023) - Culpable Homicide and Murder, Causing Death by Negligence, New Offences: Organized Crime, Terrorist Act and Group Killings, Petty Offences, Offences affecting Human Body (Sections 114-144 of BNS) - Hurt and Grievous Hurt, Wrongful restraint and Wrongful confinement, Criminal force and Assault, Kidnapping and Abduction.

• Unit-IV: Offences against the State - Offences relating to army, Navy and Air force, Offences relating to Election, Offences relating to Coin, Currency Notes, Bank Notes and Government Stamps, Offences relating to Public peace and Tranquility, Offences by or relating to Public Servants, Contempt of Lawful Authorities of Public Servants, False Evidence and Offences against Public Justice, Offences affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and morals.

• Unit-V: Offences relating to Religion, Offences against Property - Theft, Extortion, Robbery & Dacoity, Cheating, Mischief, Criminal trespass, Criminal Misappropriation of Property and Criminal Breach of Trust, Receiving Stolen Property, Cheating, Mischief, Criminal Trespass, Offences relating to Documents and Property Marks, Criminal Intimidation, Insult, Annoyance, Defamation.

• Suggested Readings:

  1. Ratanlal and Dhirajlal: Indian Penal Code, Wadhwa & Co.

  2. Achutam Pillai: Criminal Law, Butterworth co.

  3. Gour K.D.: Criminal Law - Cases and Materials, Butterworth Co.

  4. Kenny's: Outlines of Criminal Law, Cambridge University Press.

  5. K.N.Chandrashekharan Pillai, General Principles of Criminal Law, Indian Law Institute, New Delhi.

  6. K.N.Chandrashekharan Pillai, Essays on Indian penal Code, Indian Law Institute, New Delhi.

Unit-wise notes

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