What is the BNS Section 204 equivalent in the old IPC?

BNS Section 204 directly corresponds to legacy IPC Section 170. It consolidates the statutory definition and updated penalties under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.

Is Section 204 BNS bailable or non-bailable?

Section 204 BNS is classified as: Non-bailable (Bail can only be granted by the Judiciary). In bailable matters, bail is a matter of statutory right before the police or magistrate, whereas in non-bailable offences, bail is at judicial discretion under BNSS.

What is the punishment and imprisonment under BNS Section 204?

The prescribed statutory penalty under Section 204 BNS is: Imprisonment for not lessthan 6 months but which may extend to 3 years and fine. Sentences are subject to judicial trial assessment and aggravating/mitigating circumstances.

Is an offence under Section 204 BNS cognizable (arrest without warrant)?

The offence under Section 204 BNS is: Cognizable (Police can arrest without warrant). In cognizable offences, police officers have the authority to register an FIR and initiate an investigation directly.

Which court has jurisdiction to try cases under Section 204 BNS?

Cases under Section 204 BNS are triable by: Any Magistrate under the First Schedule of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

What is the primary objective and citizen takeaway of Section 204 BNS?

Section 204 BNS deals with 'Personating a public servant'. It establishes clear criminal liability, modern evidentiary thresholds, and proportionality in sentencing under India's modernized penal framework.

BNS Section 204

BNS Section 204: Personating a public servant

Equivalent Legacy Law: IPC Section 170

💡 Simplified Explanation

BNS Section 204 defines the rules, regulations, and penalties regarding: "personating a public servant". This section is part of the updated criminal code of India (BNS, 2023) which modernized the legal framework.

Real-World Scenario

"If an individual is found violating the provisions regarding personating a public servant as defined under this Section, they will be charged under BNS Section 204 instead of the old IPC sections."

⚖️ Procedural Classification Summary

Personating a public servant

Bailable: Non-bailable (Bail can only be granted by the Judiciary)

Cognizable: Cognizable (Police can arrest without warrant)

Triable by: Any Magistrate

Punishment: Imprisonment for not lessthan 6 months but which may extend to 3 years and fine

📜 Official Statutory Provision

Mandatory minimum imprisonment is introduced as six months and upper limit is increased from two years to three years.

Bail Status Guide Is Section 204 Bailable? → Sentencing Guide Jail Term & Fine Details →