Question

The following is a new punishment introduced into statute dealing with crimes across India

• A. death penalty without recourse mercy petition
• B. community service
• C. life imprisonment with transportation
• D. forfeiture of property

Hint:

Stay updated with major legislative changes, like the introduction of the new criminal codes (BNS, BNSS, BSA). These are high-priority topics for competitive law exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify a new form of punishment that has been recently introduced into the statutory framework for crimes across India.

Step 2: Key Concepts and Approach:
In 2023, the Indian Parliament passed a new set of criminal laws to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The new penal code, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, has introduced some notable changes, including new forms of punishment.
We need to examine the options in light of these recent legislative changes.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• (B) Community Service: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, has formally introduced "community service" as a form of punishment for certain petty offences. For instance, it is prescribed for first-time offenders in cases of defamation and for minor theft. This is a significant reformative measure aimed at reducing prison overcrowding and promoting rehabilitation.

• Evaluating other options:
- (A) death penalty without recourse mercy petition: This is unconstitutional. The right to seek mercy from the President/Governor is a constitutional right.
- (C) life imprisonment with transportation: The punishment of "transportation for life" was abolished in India long ago and replaced with "imprisonment for life."
- (D) forfeiture of property: This is not a new punishment; it has existed for a long time under various laws, including the IPC and special statutes like the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Community service is a new form of punishment that has been formally introduced into the primary penal statute of India, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.