Question

Under which specific provision of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, has the definition of a 'Terrorist Act' been formally integrated into India's general penal legislation for the first time?

• A. Section 121
• B. Section 152
• C. Section 113
• D. Section 109

Hint:

BNS Section 113 is the new home for "Terrorist Act" definitions! It bridges the gap between special laws and general criminal legislation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The BNS, 2023, marks a significant shift by incorporating terrorism-related offences directly into general criminal law, which were previously governed by special statutes like the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Section 113 of the BNS defines a "Terrorist Act." This is a landmark shift as it codifies offences relating to terrorism, such as acts causing death, injuries, or damage to property with the intent to threaten the unity, integrity, or security of India, within the main penal code.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The definition is integrated under Section 113. Option (C) is correct.

Answer 2

The question asks for the exact section of the BNS, 2023 that, for the first time, brings the definition of a "Terrorist Act" into India's general penal code rather than a standalone special law.

1. Option (A) - Section 121: This section of the BNS deals with offences relating to acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India in a different register, and is not the provision that defines a terrorist act.
2. Option (B) - Section 152: This section addresses acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India of a different character, and does not itself define a terrorist act.
3. Option (C) - Section 113: Section 113 of the BNS defines "Terrorist Act" for the first time within the main penal code, covering acts intended to threaten the unity, integrity, security or economic security of India and causing death, injury or damage to property, among other consequences. This is the exact provision the question is pointing to.
4. Option (D) - Section 109: This section deals with the offence of criminal conspiracy and its punishment as part of general criminal liability, a different subject matter altogether from the specific definition of terrorism.

Only Section 113 matches both the subject matter (terrorist act) and the historic significance (its first inclusion in general penal law) described in the question.

Hence, the correct answer is Section 113.