POWERS OF SUPERIOR OFFICERS OF POLICE AND AID TO THE MAGISTRATES AND THE POLICECentral

Section 33 of The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 in hindi

Public to give information of certain offences.

(1)Every person, aware of the commission of, or of the intention of any other person to commit, any offence punishable under any of the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, namely:—
1. (i)sections 103 to 105 (both inclusive);
2. (ii)sections 111 to 113 (both inclusive);
3. (iii)sections 140 to 144 (both inclusive);
4. (iv)sections 147 to 154 (both inclusive) and section 158;
5. (v)sections 178 to 182 (both inclusive);
6. (vi)sections 189 and 191;
7. (vii)sections 274 to 280 (both inclusive);
8. (viii)section 307;
9. (ix)sections 309 to 312 (both inclusive);
10. (x)sub-section (5) of section 316;
11. (xi)sections 326 to 328 (both inclusive); and
12. (xii)sections 331 and 332, upon the person so aware, forthwith give information to the nearest Magistrate or police officer of such commission or intention.
(2)For the purposes of this section, the term “offence” includes any act committed at any place out of India which would constitute an offence if committed in India.

Summary

Every person aware of the commission or intention to commit specific offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, must report it.
Information regarding these offences must be provided forthwith to the nearest Magistrate or police officer.
The reporting requirement applies to a specific list of offences, including sections 103-105, 111-113, 140-144, and others listed in the section.
The definition of 'offence' includes acts committed outside of India that would be considered an offence if committed within India.

Practical examples

1Ravi overhears his neighbor planning to poison the local water supply.. Ravi immediately goes to the nearest police station to report what he heard..

2While walking home, Meena witnesses a group of people committing a robbery.. She is legally required to inform the nearest Magistrate or police officer right away..

FAQ

1. To whom should I report the commission of an offence?

You must report the information to the nearest Magistrate or police officer.

2. Does this law apply to crimes committed outside of India?

Yes, the term 'offence' includes any act committed outside of India that would constitute an offence if committed in India.

3. What is the timeline for reporting such information?

The information must be given forthwith.

4. Which specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 are covered?

The section covers offences under sections 103-105, 111-113, 140-144, 147-154, 158, 178-182, 189, 191, 274-280, 307, 309-312, 316(5), 326-328, 331, and 332.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 33 of The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, who is required to give information about certain serious crimes?

Q2.According to Section 33 of the 2023 Act, to whom must a person give information about a serious crime?

Q3.Under Section 33 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the duty to inform applies to crimes committed where?

Q4.In the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Section 33 states that the information must be given in what timeframe?

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