Sentencing Guide

BNS Section 353 Punishment Jail Term, Fines & Sentencing Guidelines

BNS Section 353: Statements conducing to public mischief (Legacy IPC Section 505)

Statutory Classification Details

False statement, rumour, etc., circulated with intent to cause mutiny or offence against the public peace

  • Bailable Status: Non-bailable (Bail can only be granted by the Judiciary)
  • Cognizable Status: Non-cognizable (Police cannot arrest without warrant)
  • Triable Court: Any Magistrate
  • Official Punishment: Imprisonment for 3 years, or fine, or both

False statement, rumour, etc., with intent to create enmity, hatred or ill-will between different classes

  • Bailable Status: Non-bailable (Bail can only be granted by the Judiciary)
  • Cognizable Status: Cognizable (Police can arrest without warrant)
  • Triable Court: Any Magistrate
  • Official Punishment: Imprisonment for 3 years, or fine, or both

False statement, rumour, etc., made in place of worship, etc., with intent to create enmity, hatred or ill-will

  • Bailable Status: Non-bailable (Bail can only be granted by the Judiciary)
  • Cognizable Status: Cognizable (Police can arrest without warrant)
  • Triable Court: Any Magistrate
  • Official Punishment: Imprisonment for 5 years and fine