What Is BNS Section 32?

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 - Section 32: Act to which a person is compelled by threats.

BNS Section 32: Act to which a person is compelled by threats

• Except murder, and offences against the State punishable with death, nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is compelled to do it by threats, which, at the time of doing it, reasonably cause the apprehension that instant death to that person will otherwise be the consequence:
  • Provided that the person doing the act did not of his own accord, or from a reasonable apprehension of harm to himself short of instant death, place himself in the situation by which he became subject to such constraint.
• Explanation 1: A person who, of his own accord, or by reason of a threat of being beaten, joins a gang of dacoits, knowing their character, is not entitled to the benefit of this exception, on the ground of his having been compelled by his associates to do anything that is an offence by law.
• Explanation 2: A person seized by a gang of dacoits, and forced, by threat of instant death, to do a thing which is an offence by law; for example, a smith compelled to take his tools and to force the door of a house for the dacoits to enter and plunder it, is entitled to the benefit of this exception.

Brief Detail

BNS Section 32 outlines that a person who commits an offence under compulsion from threats that could result in instant death is not held criminally liable, except for cases involving murder or offences against the State punishable by death. The provision does not apply if the person willingly or through reasonable fear of lesser harm placed themselves in a situation of threat. The section includes two explanations: the first states that joining a criminal gang willingly disqualifies a person from this protection; the second states that if a person is forced to commit an offence under threat of instant death by dacoits, they are entitled to the protection of this section.

Question & Answers

• Q1: What does BNS Section 32 state about offences committed under threat?
  A1: BNS Section 32 states that a person compelled to commit an offence by threats of instant death is not held criminally liable, except for murder and offences against the State punishable with death.
• Q2: Does BNS Section 32 provide protection if the person voluntarily joins a criminal gang?
  A2: No, according to Explanation 1, a person who voluntarily joins a criminal gang or acts under threat from the gang does not benefit from this exception.
• Q3: Are there any exceptions to the protection provided by BNS Section 32?
  A3: Yes, the protection does not apply to offences involving murder or those against the State punishable by death.
• Q4: Can a person forced by dacoits to commit an offence receive protection under BNS Section 32?
  A4: Yes, according to Explanation 2, a person who is forced by dacoits to commit an offence under threat of instant death is entitled to the protection of this section.

Example

• Scenario 1: A smith is forcibly made by dacoits to use his tools to break into a house for them to plunder it. The smith is under threat of instant death if he does not comply. Under BNS Section 32, the smith is entitled to protection from criminal liability for the offence committed under these threats.
• Scenario 2: A person voluntarily joins a gang of dacoits, knowing their criminal nature, and commits crimes with them. Despite the threats from the gang, the person does not receive protection under BNS Section 32 because the person willingly joined the gang and was aware of the potential risks.

Summary

BNS Section 32 provides a legal exception for individuals who commit offences under compulsion by threats of instant death, excluding murder and offences against the State punishable by death. It clarifies that individuals who voluntarily place themselves in dangerous situations or join criminal gangs are not eligible for this protection. The section emphasizes that protection is afforded only when the person is forced into committing an offence under the immediate threat of death.