Question

With reference to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which among the following is not a newly introduced offence under the new criminal law framework?

• A. Organised Crime
• B. Petty organised crime
• C. Terrorist Act
• D. Stalking

Hint:

Think of the 2012 Nirbhaya case. It led to the 2013 laws that introduced Stalking and Voyeurism. They are "old" compared to the 2023 changes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, introduced several new categories of crimes that were previously absent or handled under special local laws in the IPC.

• BNS Overhaul: The new code aims to modernize criminal law by specifically defining modern threats.

• New Chapters: "Organised Crime" and "Terrorism" have been given dedicated sections.

Step 1: Identifying New Offences in BNS.

Organised Crime and

Petty organised crime are entirely new sections. A

Terrorist Act was also formally defined within the general penal code. Previously, these were largely handled under special statutes like MCOCA or UAPA, but they have now been "introduced" as specific offenses within the main body of the BNS.

Step 2: Checking the status of Stalking.

Stalking was already introduced into the IPC via the 2013 Amendment. It was governed by

Section 354D of the old Indian Penal Code. Since it has been a part of Indian criminal law for over a decade, it is not a "newly introduced" offense in the 2023 framework; it was simply carried over into the new code (now Section 78 of BNS).