What Is BNS Section 352?

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 - Section 352: Intentional Insult with Intent to Provoke Breach of Peace

Whoever intentionally insults in any manner, and thereby gives provocation to any person, intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause him to break the public peace, or to commit any other offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Brief Detail

BNS Section 352 penalizes intentional insults aimed at provoking someone to disrupt public peace or commit an offence.

Question & Answers

Q1: What actions are covered under Section 352?

A1: Section 352 covers intentional insults that provoke another person, with the intention or knowledge that such actions may lead to a breach of public peace or other offences.

Q2: What are the penalties for violating this section?

A2: The penalties for violating Section 352 include imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

Q3: Is the intent to provoke necessary for a charge under this section?

A3: Yes, the perpetrator must have intended or known that their actions would likely provoke the other person into a breach of peace or another offence.

Q4: Can this section apply in situations of verbal disputes?

A4: Yes, if one person intentionally insults another in a manner that could reasonably provoke a violent or disruptive response, this section may apply.

Example

If person A deliberately insults person B during an argument, knowing that this might provoke B to react violently or disruptively, A may be guilty under Section 352.

Summary

Section 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita addresses intentional insults that provoke a breach of peace, outlining the penalties for such actions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order.