What Is BNSS Section 25?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Section 25: Sentence in Cases of Conviction of Several Offences at One Trial

(1) When a person is convicted at one trial of two or more offences, the Court may, subject to the provisions of section 9 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, sentence him for such offences, to the several punishments prescribed therefor which such Court is competent to inflict and the Court shall, considering the gravity of offences, order such punishments to run concurrently or consecutively.

(2) In the case of consecutive sentences, it shall not be necessary for the Court by reason only of the aggregate punishment for the several offences being in excess of the punishment which it is competent to inflict on conviction of a single offence, to send the offender for trial before a higher Court: Provided that—

• (a) in no case shall such person be sentenced to imprisonment for a longer period than twenty years;
• (b) the aggregate punishment shall not exceed twice the amount of punishment which the Court is competent to inflict for a single offence.

(3) For the purpose of appeal by a convicted person, the aggregate of the consecutive sentences passed against him under this section shall be deemed to be a single sentence.

Brief Detail

Section 25 outlines how sentences are determined when an individual is convicted of multiple offences during a single trial. The Court has the discretion to impose several punishments, which can either run concurrently or consecutively, while adhering to the limitations set forth in this section. This ensures that even when multiple convictions occur, the total imprisonment does not exceed specified limits, and the aggregate sentence is treated as one for appeal purposes.

Q1: What Does Section 25 State About Sentencing for Multiple Offences?

A: The Court may impose several punishments for multiple offences convicted at one trial, allowing them to run concurrently or consecutively based on the severity of the offences.

Q2: Are There Limits on Sentences When Multiple Offences Are Involved?

A: Yes, no individual can be sentenced to imprisonment for more than twenty years, and the total punishment cannot exceed twice the maximum punishment for a single offence.

Q3: How Are Consecutive Sentences Treated for Appeal Purposes?

A: The total of consecutive sentences is considered a single sentence for appeal, simplifying the appeal process for the convicted person.

Q4: What Is the Significance of This Section?

A: It regulates sentencing for multiple convictions, ensuring fairness and limiting excessive imprisonment while allowing the Court to reflect on the gravity of each offence.

Example

• Example 1: If a person is convicted of two offences each carrying a maximum sentence of ten years, the Court could impose sentences of five years for each offence to run concurrently, resulting in a total of five years.
• Example 2: If convicted of three offences with maximum sentences of three, four, and five years, the Court could impose a total consecutive sentence of ten years, as it does not exceed the limit set forth in this section.

Summary

Section 25 ensures that when a person is convicted of multiple offences at a single trial, the sentencing remains just and proportionate. It sets limits on total imprisonment while allowing flexibility in how sentences are served, ultimately facilitating the appeal process.