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20 Essential Criminal Law Terms Every CLAT, Judiciary & UPSC Aspirant Must Know
- The Law Gurukul
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
IntroductionWith the replacement of IPC (1860) by Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and CrPC (1973) by Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), criminal law in India has undergone a historic overhaul. Whether you're a CLAT aspirant, judiciary candidate, UPSC student, or law professional, mastering these updated terms is critical for exams and legal practice.
This Part 2 of our "Legal Lexicon" series decodes 20 crucial criminal law terms under the new BNS and BNSS, with definitions, examples, and exam relevance.
1. Mens Rea vs. Actus Reus
Definition:
Mens Rea = "Guilty mind" (intent to commit a crime).
Actus Reus = "Guilty act" (physical commission of the crime).
Example:
Mens Rea: Planning a murder.
Actus Reus: Executing the murder.
Relevance: Retained under BNS Section 3 (General Explanations).
2. Bail vs. Parole
Definition:
Bail: Temporary release before trial (BNSS Sections 480-485).
Parole: Conditional release after conviction (State Prison Rules).
Key Change:
BNSS allows bail hearings within 45 days for offenses punishable by 7+ years (Section 484).
3. Cognizable vs. Non-Cognizable Offenses
Definition:
Cognizable: Police can arrest without warrant (e.g., murder, rape under BNS).
Non-Cognizable: Police need warrant (e.g., defamation).
BNS Update:
Organized crime added as cognizable (BNS Section 111).
4. Double Jeopardy (BNS Section 6)
Definition: No person can be tried twice for the same offense.
Example: Acquittal in a theft case bars retrial without new evidence.
5. Murder (BNS Section 101)
Definition: Punishment for intentional killing (death penalty or life imprisonment).
Key Change:
Mob lynching explicitly included (BNS Section 103).
6-20: Updated Key Terms Under BNS & BNSS
Term | Definition | BNS/BNSS Section | Example |
6. Zero FIR | FIR lodged at any police station (regardless of jurisdiction). | BNSS Section 173 | Delhi rape victim files Zero FIR in Mumbai. |
7. Chargesheet | Police report to court within 90 days (vs. 60-90 days under CrPC). | BNSS Section 193 | Chargesheet filed in 80 days for cybercrime. |
8. Community Service | New punishment for petty crimes (e.g., theft under ₹5,000). | BNS Section 53(f) | Shoplifter ordered to clean public park. |
9. Sedition (Repealed) | Replaced with "Acts endangering sovereignty" (BNS Section 124). | BNS Section 124 | Anti-national slogans now punishable under this. |
10. Snatching (BNS Section 304) | Separate offense for snatching property (earlier under theft). | BNS Section 304 | Chain-snatching now has specific penalties. |
11. Hit-and-Run (BNS Section 106(2)) | 10-year jail for fleeing accident scenes. | BNS Section 106(2) | Truck driver who flees after fatal accident. |
12. False Promise of Marriage (BNS Section 69) | Explicitly criminalized as rape. | BNS Section 69 | Man deceives woman with fake marriage vow. |
13. Digital Arrest (BNS Section 112) | Cybercrime where victim is confined digitally. | BNS Section 112 | Fake cop threatens victim over video call. |
14. Summary Trial (BNSS Section 262) | Fast-track trials for minor offenses (fines/jail <2 years). | BNSS Section 262 | Case resolved in 6 months for petty theft. |
15. Witness Protection (BNSS Section 398) | Anonymous testimony allowed for vulnerable witnesses. | BNSS Section 398 | Rape victim testifies via video conferencing. |
Why These Updates Matter for Aspirants?
✅ Exam Relevance:
CLAT 2025+: Focus on BNS/BNSS vs. IPC/CrPC comparisons.
Judiciary/UPSC: Expect questions on new sections like mob lynching (BNS 103).
✅ Practical Impact:
Citizens: Know your rights under Zero FIR (BNSS 173) and community service penalties.
How to Study These Terms?
Comparative Tables: Create IPC vs. BNS and CrPC vs. BNSS charts.
Case Linking: Associate new sections with recent judgments (e.g., 2024 rulings under BNS).
Flashcards: Highlight changed terminology (e.g., "sedition → BNS 124").
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