Answer By law4u team
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 - Section 57: Abetting Commission of Offence by Public or by More Than Ten Persons
- Whoever abets the commission of an offence by the public generally or by any number or class of persons exceeding ten shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years and with fine.
Illustration:
- A affixes in a public place a placard instigating a sect consisting of more than ten members to meet at a certain time and place for the purpose of attacking the members of an adverse sect, while engaged in a procession. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
Brief Detail
BNS Section 57 deals with abetment of an offence involving public participation or a group of more than ten persons. It outlines that anyone who encourages or assists the commission of such an offence will be liable for imprisonment for up to seven years and may also be subject to a fine. An illustration is provided to clarify the application of the section, showing how incitement through public placards can lead to liability under this section.
Questions & Answers
Q1: What is the punishment for abetting an offence committed by more than ten persons under BNS Section 57?
A1: The punishment for abetting such an offence is imprisonment of either description for a term that may extend to seven years, along with a fine.
Q2: How does Section 57 define the act of abetment in terms of group size?
A2: Section 57 defines abetment as encouraging or assisting in the commission of an offence by any number of persons exceeding ten or by the public generally.
Q3: Can public placards inciting a group be considered an offence under Section 57?
A3: Yes, public placards that incite a group of more than ten persons to commit an offence can be considered abetment and are punishable under Section 57.
Q4: What is an example of an offence under BNS Section 57?
A4: An example of an offence is a person placing a placard in a public space, encouraging a sect of more than ten members to attack another group during a procession. This act is punishable under Section 57.
Example
- A person, B, distributes pamphlets in a town, inciting a group of more than ten people to gather at a specific location to commit acts of violence against another community. This act by B would constitute abetment under Section 57, and B would face imprisonment for up to seven years and a possible fine.
Summary
BNS Section 57 criminalizes the act of abetting offences committed by the public or groups exceeding ten persons. The abettor may be punished with imprisonment of up to seven years and may also be fined. An illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the application of the law in practical situations where incitement leads to violence.
