Procedural Classification · BNSS First Schedule
BNS Section 356 Punishment Jail Term, Fines & Sentencing Guidelines
Analysis of punishment terms, fines, and judicial sentencing rules for BNS Section 356: (1) Defamation under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
⚖️ Sentencing & Penalty Guidelines
Defamation against the President or the Vice-President or the Governor of a State or Administrator of a Union territory or a Minister in respect of his conduct in the discharge of his public functions when instituted upon a complaint made by the Public Prosecutor
Bail Status
✓ Bailable (Bail is a matter of right)
Arrest Authority
Non-cognizable (Police cannot arrest without warrant)
Triable Court
Court of Session
Prescribed Punishment
Simple imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both, or community service
Defamation in any other case
Bail Status
✓ Bailable (Bail is a matter of right)
Arrest Authority
Non-cognizable (Police cannot arrest without warrant)
Triable Court
Magistrate of the first class
Prescribed Punishment
Simple imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both, or community service
Printing or engraving matter knowing it to be defamatory against the President or the Vice-President or the Governor of a State or Administrator of a Union territory or a Minister in respect of his conduct in the discharge of his public functions when instituted upon a complaint made by the Public Prosecutor
Bail Status
✓ Bailable (Bail is a matter of right)
Arrest Authority
Non-cognizable (Police cannot arrest without warrant)
Triable Court
Court of Session
Prescribed Punishment
Simple imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both
Printing or engraving matter knowing it to be defamatory, in any other case
Bail Status
✓ Bailable (Bail is a matter of right)
Arrest Authority
Non-cognizable (Police cannot arrest without warrant)
Triable Court
Magistrate of the first class
Prescribed Punishment
Simple imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both
Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter, knowing it to contain such matter against the President or the Vice-President or the Governor of a State or Administrator of a Union territory or a Minister in respect of his conduct in the discharge of his public functions when instituted upon a complaint made by the Public Prosecutor
Bail Status
✓ Bailable (Bail is a matter of right)
Arrest Authority
Non-cognizable (Police cannot arrest without warrant)
Triable Court
Court of Session
Prescribed Punishment
Simple imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both
Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter, knowing it to contain such matter in any other case
Bail Status
✓ Bailable (Bail is a matter of right)
Arrest Authority
Non-cognizable (Police cannot arrest without warrant)
Triable Court
Magistrate of the first class
Prescribed Punishment
Simple imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both