What Is BNSS Section 24?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Section 24: Sentence of Imprisonment in Default of Fine

(1) The Court of a Magistrate may award such term of imprisonment in default of payment of fine as is authorised by law: Provided that the term—

• (a) is not in excess of the powers of the Magistrate under section 23;
• (b) shall not, where imprisonment has been awarded as part of the substantive sentence, exceed one-fourth of the term of imprisonment which the Magistrate is competent to inflict as punishment for the offence otherwise than as imprisonment in default of payment of the fine.

(2) The imprisonment awarded under this section may be in addition to a substantive sentence of imprisonment for the maximum term awardable by the Magistrate under section 23.

Brefe Detail

This section addresses the circumstances under which a Magistrate can impose imprisonment for failure to pay a fine. Key points include:

• A Magistrate may impose imprisonment in default of fine as permitted by law.
• The term of imprisonment must not exceed the Magistrate's powers as defined in section 23.
• If imprisonment is part of a substantive sentence, the default term cannot exceed one-fourth of the original sentence.
• Imprisonment for default can be in addition to any substantive sentence.

Question & Answers

Q1: What does this section allow a Magistrate to do regarding fines?

A1: A Magistrate may award a term of imprisonment if a fine is not paid, as long as it is authorised by law.

Q2: What limitations are placed on the term of imprisonment for default?

A2: The term must not exceed the Magistrate's powers under section 23 and cannot exceed one-fourth of any substantive sentence already imposed.

Q3: Can imprisonment for default be added to other sentences?

A3: Yes, imprisonment awarded for default can be in addition to a substantive sentence of imprisonment that the Magistrate can impose.

Example

• Example 1: A Magistrate imposes a fine of twenty thousand rupees. If the defendant fails to pay, the Magistrate may award a term of imprisonment, provided it does not exceed the allowed duration under section 23.
• Example 2: A defendant is sentenced to two years in prison for theft. If they fail to pay a fine, the Magistrate can impose an additional imprisonment term for up to six months for non-payment.
• Example 3: If a Magistrate sentences someone to one year in prison for an offense and also imposes a fine, the imprisonment for default of that fine cannot exceed three months.

Summary

Section 24 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 establishes the framework for imposing imprisonment when a fine is not paid. It sets limitations on the duration of such imprisonment and clarifies that it can be added to any existing substantive sentences imposed by the Magistrate.