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Section 105 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023

105. Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.— Whoever commits culpable homicide not amounting to murder, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine, if the act by which the death is caused is done with the intention of causing death, or of causing such bodily injury as is likely to cause death; or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years and with fine, if the act is done with the knowledge that it is likely to cause death, but without any intention to cause death, or to cause such bodily injury as is likely to cause death.

Section 105 BNS Punishment

  • Offence: Culpable homicide not amounting to murder, if act by which the death is caused is done with intention of causing death, etc.
  • Punishment: Imprisonment for life, or Imprisonment for not less than 5 years but which may extend to 10 years and fine.
  • By what Court triable: Court of Session.
  • Offence: If act be done with knowledge that it is likely to cause death, but without any intention to cause death, etc.
  • Punishment: Imprisonment for 10 years and with fine.
  • By what Court triable: Court of Session.

Section 105 BNS Bailable or Not

SectionBailable or Non-bailable
Section 105 BNSNon-Bailable

Section 105 BNS Cognizable or Not

SectionCognizable or Non-cognizable
Section 105 BNSCognizable

BNS Section 105 Compoundable or Not

SectionCompoundable or Not?
Section 105 BNSNon-Compoundable

Section 105 BNS, also known as BNS 105, is an important legal provision dealing with culpable homicide that does not amount to murder. This section outlines how individuals who cause death without premeditated intent but through negligent or reckless actions are punished. Understanding Section 105 BNS is crucial for anyone interested in criminal law or those seeking to grasp the nuances of legal consequences related to culpable homicide.

What is Culpable Homicide?

Before diving into Section 105 BNS, it’s essential to clarify what culpable homicide means. In legal terms, culpable homicide refers to causing the death of a person with criminal intent or through recklessness. Unlike murder, which is typically characterized by a deliberate intention to kill, culpable homicide can occur in situations where the perpetrator might not have intended to cause death but acted in a way that led to it.

Key Provisions of Section 105 BNS

Section 105 BNS, or BNS 105, specifies the punishment for those found guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. This section is designed to address cases where the death was caused by actions done with or without intention but with a certain level of recklessness or awareness about the potential consequences.

Punishments for Different Scenarios

The section distinguishes between two main scenarios:

  • With Intent to Cause Death or Severe Bodily Injury:
  1. If someone commits culpable homicide with the intention of causing death or causing bodily injury that is likely to cause death, the punishment is severe. The individual can face imprisonment for life. Alternatively, they may receive a fixed term of imprisonment, ranging from a minimum of five years up to a maximum of ten years. In addition to imprisonment, the court may also impose a fine.
  • With Knowledge of Likely Death but Without Intent:
  1. In cases where the act causing death was done with the knowledge that it is likely to cause death but without an intention to cause such death or severe injury, the punishment is slightly less stringent. The offender could be sentenced to imprisonment for up to ten years, and like the previous case, they may also be fined.

How Section 105 BNS Affects Legal Proceedings

Section 105 BNS plays a crucial role in the judicial process by providing a framework for sentencing those involved in culpable homicide cases. This section ensures that the legal consequences are proportionate to the nature of the act and the intent behind it.

Judicial Considerations

In court, the judges consider several factors when applying Section 105 BNS. These include the degree of intention or knowledge the perpetrator had, the circumstances surrounding the act, and any mitigating or aggravating factors. For instance, if a person acted out of extreme provocation or in a moment of intense emotional disturbance, these factors might influence the court’s decision on the length of imprisonment and the amount of the fine.

Impact on Legal Strategy

For defense attorneys, understanding Section 105 BNS is vital for crafting a strategy that accurately reflects their client’s circumstances. If a defendant’s actions fall under the category of having knowledge but lacking intent, the defense might argue for the lower end of the sentencing spectrum as outlined in BNS 105.

Why Section 105 BNS is Important

Section 105 BNS is significant because it ensures that justice is served in cases of culpable homicide while considering the varying degrees of intent and recklessness involved. It balances the need to penalize those who cause death through significant negligence or recklessness while distinguishing these cases from premeditated murder.

Ensuring Fairness in Sentencing

By categorizing punishments based on intent and knowledge, Section 105 BNS helps maintain fairness in the legal system. It prevents overly harsh penalties for individuals whose actions, while leading to death, were not driven by a deliberate desire to kill. Conversely, it provides a means to address severe cases where the perpetrator had a clear intent to cause harm.

Guiding Legal Reforms

The principles underlying Section 105 BNS can also guide future legal reforms and discussions on culpable homicide. As societal views on justice and punishment evolve, sections like BNS 105 offer a foundational framework that can be adapted to ensure the law remains relevant and just.

Section 105 BNS is a critical component of criminal law dealing with culpable homicide that does not amount to murder. It provides clear guidelines on how individuals who cause death through negligent or reckless actions are to be punished. By differentiating between intent and knowledge, Section 105 BNS ensures that the legal system delivers justice in a manner that reflects the nuances of each case.

Understanding Section 105 BNS helps demystify the legal process for those involved in such cases and offers a clearer picture of how the law seeks to balance the scales of justice. Whether you are a legal professional, a student of law, or simply interested in how the justice system operates, knowing about Section 105 BNS is essential for appreciating how culpable homicide cases are handled under the law.

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