The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 is India's next criminal law, succeeding the Indian Penal law (IPC). It was enacted by Parliament in December 2023 and became effective on July 1, 2024.Retains Most IPC Offences: The BNS keeps the majority of the crimes that were contained in the IPC, with some amendments and removals.

Organized crime includes abduction, extortion, and cybercrime performed by criminal syndicates.Terrorism is defined as activities that endanger the country’s unity, integrity, security, or economic security.Murder or serious harm committed by a gang of five or more people based on identifying characteristics such as caste, language, or personal beliefs

Sedition has been replaced by a new charge of harming India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity.The Supreme Court has already decriminalized consensual same-sex intercourse and adultery.

Imprisonment increased for 33 offenses.Fines raised for 83 offenses.Mandatory minimum sentence established for 23 offenses.Community service was established as a new form of punishment for six offenses.

The BNS comprises 20 chapters and 358 sections, compared to 23 chapters and 511 sections in the previous IPC. The structure is similar to the IPC, covering offences against:The State,Public Tranquility,The Human Body,Sexual Offences,Property,Documents and Trade,Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals,The Administration of Justice,Contempt of Lawful Authority,Offences by or Relating to Public Servants,

The key objectives behind introducing the BNS were to:Consolidate and amend the provisions relating to criminal offences.Introduce new offences to address emerging threats like organized crime and terrorism.Rationalize punishments by increasing penalties for certain serious offences.Align the criminal justice system with contemporary social realities and Supreme Court rulings.