(Each question followed by options, the correct answer in bold and a short explanation.)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 is intended to:
A. Replace procedural criminal law (CrPC)
B. Consolidate and modernise substantive criminal offences
C. Replace civil procedure law
D. Abolish all special criminal laws
Answer: B.
Explanation: BNS is the new substantive criminal code that modernises and reorganises offences (the procedural law was updated separately).

Which instrument contains the authoritative consolidated text of the BNS?
A. Any blog post
B. IndiaCode / official MHA PDF
C. Newspaper summaries only
D. Private textbooks only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Official consolidated acts are available on IndiaCode and Ministry of Home Affairs publications.

The BNS came into force (main enforcement date) on:
A. 26 January 1950
B. 1 July 2024 (when brought into effect by notification)
C. 25 December 2023 (enactment date)
D. Both B and C — enacted 25 Dec 2023; main enforcement began 1 July 2024 by notification.
Answer: D.
Explanation: Parliament enacted it on 25 Dec 2023; central notification set the operational date(s) (see IndiaCode / MHA).

Structurally, BNS chapters are organised primarily around:
A. Civil remedies
B. Kinds of offences (punishments, offences against persons, property, public tranquillity, etc.)
C. Administrative procedure only
D. Taxation matters
Answer: B.
Explanation: Like old penal codes, BNS groups offences into chapters by subject matter.

One stated objective of BNS drafting was to:
A. Make criminal law more archaic
B. Reduce rights of accused only
C. Modernise language and improve clarity
D. Eliminate all defences
Answer: C.
Explanation: BNS aims for contemporary language, clarity of definitions and reorganised structure.

Which of the following is true about the relationship between BNS and older statutes (like IPC references in other laws)?
A. All other laws automatically became void
B. Nothing changes for predicate offences under other acts
C. BNS replaces IPC substantively, and other statutes referencing IPC may need interpretation to map to BNS offences
D. BNS only supplements IPC
Answer: C.
Explanation: As substantive offences are restated under BNS, other laws referring to IPC offences may be read purposively to apply to corresponding BNS offences (courts and statutes interpret correspondence).

Which chapter in BNS deals with punishments and sentencing principles?
A. There is no such chapter
B. Chapter on civil remedies
C. A chapter (early chapters) sets out punishments and sentencing concepts
D. Only the courts decide punishments with no codified guidance
Answer: C.
Explanation: BNS, like prior codes, begins with preliminary chapters on punishments, sentencing principles and definitions.

BNS retains fundamental criminal law concepts such as:
A. Only civil liabilities
B. Mens rea, actus reus, attempt, abetment and criminal conspiracy
C. International trade law only
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Core doctrinal elements of criminal law continue in BNS (definitions of attempt, abetment, etc.).

Which of the following is a feature of the BNS drafting approach?
A. Using long archaic sentences
B. Simplified, reorganised sectioning for better accessibility
C. Removing defences entirely
D. Merging procedural and substantive law in one chapter
Answer: B.
Explanation: One aim was to make text clearer and more accessible to judges, police and the public.

BNS contains separate chapters for offences against women and children — this indicates:
A. That these offences are treated as civil matters
B. A focused treatment grouping related offences for policy clarity
C. That offences against men are excluded
D. That every offence has the same penalty
Answer: B.
Explanation: Grouping helps policy focus and tailored penalties/definitions (see chapter listing).

The BNS retains the concept of “general exceptions” (e.g., mistake of fact, insanity):
A. No, it abolishes all exceptions
B. Yes, general exceptions are provided (modernised)
C. Only self-defence remains
D. Exceptions are left to policy directives only
Answer: B.
Explanation: BNS preserves and modernises general exceptions to criminal liability (similar to the previous scheme).

“Abetment” and “criminal conspiracy” in BNS are:
A. No longer offences
B. Continued as separate concepts with their own sections
C. Treated as civil wrongs only
D. Converted to regulatory offences only
Answer: B.
Explanation: BNS continues doctrinal treatment of inchoate offences such as abetment and conspiracy.

BNS addresses offences relating to public tranquillity. That chapter primarily includes:
A. Tax evasion offences only
B. Riot, unlawful assembly and similar public order offences
C. Only traffic violations
D. Family law matters
Answer: B.
Explanation: Public tranquillity chapter covers classic public order offences reorganised under BNS.

The BNS approach to sentencing emphasises:
A. Uniform mandatory death penalty for all crimes
B. Proportionality, gradation of punishments and sometimes rehabilitative measures
C. No sentencing guidance at all
D. Routine life imprisonment for minor offences
Answer: B.
Explanation: Drafting intent shows emphasis on proportionate sentencing and clearer gradations (punishment chapter).

Which of the following best describes how BNS treats “sexual offences”?
A. Sexual offences are not mentioned
B. They are grouped under a dedicated chapter dealing with gender-sensitive definitions and penalties
C. They are treated as purely privacy matters
D. They are moved to civil code
Answer: B.
Explanation: BNS has focused chapters covering offences against women and children including sexual offences with modernised definitions.

Which statement is true about new offences or gaps under BNS and future amendments?
A. BNS is final and cannot be amended
B. Parliament or the government can amend BNS to add offences or plug gaps (e.g., protections for men/transgender victims have been noted as possible future amendments)
C. Courts can add sections to BNS directly
D. State governments can unilaterally change BNS sections for their states
Answer: B.
Explanation: Law is amendable by Parliament; commentary after enactment noted some lacunae might be fixed by amendment.

The BNS contains provisions to address offences against the State and national security. This means:
A. National security offences are removed
B. There are dedicated sections dealing with sedition, waging war, terrorism-related acts (modernised language)
C. All political protests are criminalised automatically
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Chapters dealing with State offences remain but in updated wording and structure.

On the issue of predicate offences for other laws (e.g., PMLA), courts have held that:
A. Old references to IPC are never applicable after BNS
B. Offences under BNS that correspond to IPC offences can be treated as predicate offences for other Acts (courts interpret purposively)
C. PMLA became inoperative entirely
D. Every case must be re-filed under fresh statutes
Answer: B.
Explanation: High Court decisions have held corresponding BNS offences can serve as predicate offences for statutes like PMLA.

Which of the following is true about procedural provisions like arrest / remand / bail after BNS?
A. They are all in the BNS substantive code
B. Procedural aspects are governed by the separate procedural enactment (BNSS — Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) and other statutes; they interact with BNS
C. There are no procedural safeguards now
D. Police act alone without court oversight
Answer: B.
Explanation: Substantive (BNS) and procedural (BNSS) frameworks work together; procedural safeguards are mainly in the procedural code.

Which of the following best describes BNS’s handling of offences against property (theft, robbery, criminal breach of trust)?
A. These concepts were removed completely
B. They are retained and reorganised into a property-offences chapter with updated definitions and penalties
C. Treated only as civil disputes
D. Converted into purely regulatory fines
Answer: B.
Explanation: Property offences continue in BNS, often with clearer categorisation and penalty gradation.

BNS uses modern drafting techniques — one advantage is:
A. Increased ambiguity
B. Better readability for judges, police, lawyers and litigants
C. Complexity for enforcement
D. Hiding substantive changes in procedural text
Answer: B.
Explanation: Plain language and reorganisation improve accessibility.

Which of the following is true about offences defined in BNS and their punishments?
A. All offences carry identical punishments
B. Punishments are graded — many offences provide ranges or gradations of imprisonment and fine
C. No fines can be imposed under BNS
D. Punishments are only monetary
Answer: B.
Explanation: BNS continues graded punishment notions (e.g., varying imprisonment terms and fines).

The BNS treatment of defamation is:
A. Abolished as a criminal offence entirely
B. Retained in updated form (criminal defamation provisions remain but may be modernised)
C. Converted into administrative penalties only
D. Merged with breach of contract law
Answer: B.
Explanation: Defamation continues to be a criminal offence under the new substantive code, subject to judicial and legislative debate.

Which of the following statements is correct about “attempt” under BNS?
A. Attempt is not an offence
B. Attempt to commit an offence remains punishable, with separate sections dealing with attempted offences
C. Attempt is only punishable if the attempt succeeds
D. Attempt is treated as civil contempt only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Inchoate liability (attempt) is preserved as a punishable category.

When BNS refers to “offences against women and children,” that grouping primarily helps:
A. Criminalise all forms of female behaviour
B. Provide focused definitions, victim protections and appropriate sentencing norms
C. Exclude male victims entirely
D. Convert offences into contract matters
Answer: B.
Explanation: Grouping reflects policy priority to protect vulnerable groups and provide tailored provisions.

Which of the following is true about the number of sections in BNS?
A. It contains only 10 sections
B. The consolidated text lists roughly 350+ sections (comparable to the IPC scale)
C. It contains more than 5,000 sections
D. It contains no sections — only chapters
Answer: B.
Explanation: Consolidated listings show 350+ sections (compilation sources list around 358). (A Lawyers Reference)

BNS includes provisions relating to “offences relating to elections.” This means:
A. Elections are outside criminal law scope
B. Election-related corrupt practices and offences are codified under a dedicated chapter
C. Only civil election disputes are retained
D. Election offences are handled under special laws only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Election offences are codified to cover corrupt practices and illegal behaviour impacting elections.

Which of the following is a likely reason for courts to read older IPC references in other statutes as applying to BNS offences?
A. To create legal confusion
B. To maintain continuity of enforcement and avoid gaps while preserving legislative intent
C. To punish more people retroactively
D. To avoid judicial interpretation altogether
Answer: B.
Explanation: A purposive reading ensures statutes that refer to “IPC offences” can be applied to corresponding BNS offences where appropriate.

BNS addresses offences relating to currency and coins. Such provisions are intended to:
A. Only punish counterfeiters abroad
B. Penalise tampering with currency, counterfeiting, and related economic offences
C. Be enforced only by banks privately
D. Not be enforceable in Indian courts
Answer: B.
Explanation: Economic offences relating to currency remain within the substantive criminal code.

Which of the following statements is accurate about the interplay of BNS and special laws (e.g., Prevention of Corruption Act)?
A. Special laws are always overridden by BNS
B. If a special law deals with specific offences/procedures, that law governs; BNS covers general substantive offences not covered elsewhere
C. BNS replaces all special laws automatically
D. Special laws become criminally inactive
Answer: B.
Explanation: Principle of lex specialis: special enactments govern where there is specific coverage; BNS is the general penal code.

The drafting of BNS sought to make penalties more transparent. One reform towards that end is:
A. Removing judicial discretion entirely
B. Setting clearer ranges and gradations for imprisonment/fines and specifying aggravating/mitigating factors
C. Making punishments secretive
D. Eliminating fines completely
Answer: B.
Explanation: Clearer sentencing grids and written guidance help uniform application.

Which chapter in the consolidated BNS deals with “offences against the human body”?
A. No chapter does
B. There is a chapter titled “Offences Affecting the Human Body”
C. Only property offences exist
D. It merges with taxation law
Answer: B.
Explanation: BNS retains a chapter dealing with physical injury, hurt, grievous hurt and similar offences.

BNS includes provisions for “attempted murder” and “causing grievous hurt.” These are examples of:
A. Regulatory offences only
B. Offences graded by severity based on harm caused and mens rea
C. Civil torts only
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Harm-based gradation of offences continues to be central to substantive criminal law.

Which of the following best captures BNS’s stance on corporate criminal liability?
A. Corporates cannot be held criminally liable
B. Corporate entities can be made liable where the statute or principles of vicarious liability apply
C. Only individuals can be punished
D. Corporates are automatically imprisoned in all cases
Answer: B.
Explanation: Modern substantive codes include mechanisms to make corporations liable for offences through appropriate provisions or interpretive rules.

Does BNS contain provisions addressing offences related to election fraud and malpractice?
A. No, elections are out of criminal law
B. Yes, dedicated sections/clauses address election-related offences
C. Only civil remedies are provided
D. It defers all election matters to the Election Commission only
Answer: B.
Explanation: A chapter addresses election offences (drawn from prior IPC and specialised provisions in updated form).

Under BNS, the concept of “consent” in sexual offences is:
A. Not relevant
B. Crucial — definitions and standards for consent and its vitiation are part of the provisions
C. Automatically presumed in all cases
D. Delegated to private arbitration only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Modernisation includes clearer treatments of consent, though exact definitions are in the statutory text.

Which statement reflects courts’ early approach after BNS enactment to interpret legacy cross-references?
A. Courts refused to interpret legacy references at all
B. Courts have taken a purposive approach to read BNS offences as corresponding predicate offences for laws referencing IPC where substance is equivalent
C. Courts insisted on fresh legislation for every single law referencing IPC
D. Courts substituted their own criminal code
Answer: B.
Explanation: Case law indicates purposive continuity to avoid enforcement gaps (see recent High Court decisions).

BNS’s chapter on offences against public order includes which of the following types of offences?
A. Family law disputes only
B. Arson, rioting, unlawful assembly and related public order offences
C. Only traffic violations
D. Civil contempt exclusively
Answer: B.
Explanation: Public order offences remain an important subject in the code.

Regarding cruelty and offences within family relationships (e.g., dowry), BNS:
A. Removes all protections
B. Includes special provisions to deal with marital cruelty and related offences (modernised descriptions)
C. Makes all family disputes punishable by default
D. Defers to Personal Law only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Provisions to deal with domestic offences are modernised and retained in substantive code.

Which of the following best explains how BNS treats “obscenity” and “indecent” communications?
A. Such matters are completely removed from criminal law
B. Offences are retained but definitions and thresholds are updated to reflect modern communication means
C. Only print media is covered now
D. All social media posts are immediately criminal
Answer: B.
Explanation: BNS updates definitions to be applicable to electronic mediums as well.

The BNS drafting process emphasised victim protection. One example of this emphasis is:
A. Removing victim rights entirely
B. Introducing clearer provisions on offences affecting vulnerable persons and express recognition of victim impact in sentencing
C. Making victims defend themselves in court
D. No mention of victim protection anywhere
Answer: B.
Explanation: Statutory language and chaptering reflect attention to victim protection, especially for women and children.

Which of the following is true about BNS and the death penalty?
A. BNS abolished death penalty in all cases
B. BNS retains death penalty but confines it to the “rarest of rare” / the most serious offences as per established judicial principles
C. BNS prescribes death penalty for all murders automatically
D. BNS removed judicial discretion entirely
Answer: B.
Explanation: Penal policy historically retains death penalty for most serious offences, applied under jurisprudential constraints.

“Attempt to commit suicide” as an offence under the old paradigm is now:
A. Punishable by death under BNS
B. Generally decriminalised in policy discussions; exact treatment depends on BNS text and allied laws (health-oriented approach)
C. A civil tort now
D. A property offence
Answer: B.
Explanation: Recent policy globally and some domestic reforms emphasise decriminalisation and care-based approaches; check specific BNS text for exact wording.

Which of the following best describes how BNS handles “forgery” and “cheating”?
A. These are removed completely
B. Retained with updated definitions and penalties for fraud, forgery and cheating
C. Treated as purely regulatory matters handled by civil courts only
D. Only relevant to banks now
Answer: B.
Explanation: Economic offences are maintained with modernised drafting.

Under BNS, does criminal liability for “abetment” require presence at the scene?
A. Always yes
B. No — abetment may occur by instigating or facilitating an offence even without presence
C. Abetment is civil negligence only
D. Abetment has been abolished entirely
Answer: B.
Explanation: Abetment doctrine (instigation, conspiracy, facilitation) remains doctrinally similar.

BNS contains provisions for offences relating to coins, currency notes and government stamps. The policy objective is:
A. To criminalise all cash transactions
B. To prevent counterfeiting, tampering, and fraud related to official monetary instruments
C. To nationalise all private property
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Protection of monetary instruments is a standard penal objective included in BNS.

The BNS chapter on “Offences relating to the Army, Navy and Air Force” is primarily intended to:
A. Replace military law completely
B. Capture common penal offences that affect the forces and security discipline where appropriate
C. Criminalise civilian praise of the forces
D. Convert courts-martial into civilian courts entirely
Answer: B.
Explanation: Special offences affecting military discipline are addressed, while service law often remains distinct.

Which of the following is true about “wilful blindness” or negligence standards in BNS?
A. They are eliminated
B. BNS retains and clarifies standards for negligence, culpable negligence and wilful blindness where relevant to offences
C. Only subjective standards apply everywhere
D. Only corporate actors are liable for negligence now
Answer: B.
Explanation: Culpability gradations are retained (mens rea continuum remains relevant).

Which of the following is true about BNS and cyber-related offences?
A. BNS has no application to cyber offences
B. BNS includes provisions to address offences in contemporary contexts; cyber offences are often covered under specific statutes too (e.g., IT Act) and may overlap
C. Cyber offences are only civil matters now
D. All internet content is banned outright
Answer: B.
Explanation: Modern criminal codes recognise cyber contexts; interplay with IT Act and other special laws is expected.

BNS includes an approach to “provocation” as a mitigating factor in violent offences. This means:
A. Provocation is an absolute defence always
B. Provocation may reduce culpability or sentence in certain offences depending on the statutory formulations and judicial interpretation
C. Provocation increases punishment automatically
D. Provocation is only relevant in civil disputes
Answer: B.
Explanation: Mitigating factors like provocation can affect sentencing and culpability in many penal frameworks.

Which of the following best captures BNS’s treatment of “abetment by omission”?
A. Omission can never be abetment
B. Where a legal duty existed and omission facilitated an offence, liability may arise under BNS principles (duty-based omissions are relevant)
C. Omissions are always only civil liability
D. Omission always equals attempt
Answer: B.
Explanation: Duty-based omissions (failure to act where duty exists) can create criminal liability in many contexts.

BNS includes offences for “offences against elections.” Such offences are primarily aimed at:
A. Criminalising lawful campaigning only
B. Preventing bribery, undue influence, impersonation, booth capturing and other electoral malpractices
C. Replacing the Election Commission’s authority entirely
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Election offences protect integrity of the electoral process.

Which of the following is true about the classification of offences under BNS (cognizable vs non-cognizable notification)?
A. BNS removes the cognizable/non-cognizable distinction entirely
B. Procedural classification (cognizable/non-cognizable) is governed by the procedural code (BNSS); substantive BNS provisions indicate gravity but procedural classification is applied as per the procedure statute.
C. All offences are cognizable under BNS by default
D. No police powers exist anymore
Answer: B.
Explanation: Substantive code describes offences; procedural classification and police powers are defined in the procedural code and rules.

Which of the following best describes BNS’s approach to “hate speech” or public incitement?
A. All speech is criminalised
B. Provisions target speech that incites violence, public disorder or targeted hatred with context-sensitive thresholds
C. Hate speech is treated only as civil defamation now
D. BNS has no provisions addressing communal or inciting speech
Answer: B.
Explanation: Offences that threaten public order or target groups remain penalised with attention to context.

BNS contains an updated chapter on “offences relating to marriage.” This reflects:
A. That marriage is now a criminal contract only
B. That marriage-related crimes (e.g., bigamy, cruelty, dowry offences) are articulated in updated language
C. That divorce is no longer a civil remedy
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Such offences continue to be part of penal law with updated formulations.

Which of the following statements about BNS and defamation is correct?
A. Defamation is no longer actionable in any form
B. Criminal defamation provisions continue, though the scope and interpretation may be tested in courts over time
C. Defamation is exclusively regulated by tax authorities now
D. No one may sue for reputation under any law
Answer: B.
Explanation: Criminal defamation remains in the substantive code, subject to judicial review and constitutional safeguards.

When statutory texts elsewhere refer to “an offence under section X of IPC,” after BNS came into force, courts/administration should generally:
A. Ignore those references and stop prosecutions
B. Interpret those references purposively to apply to corresponding BNS offences, unless the statute is clearly tied to a specific IPC numbering
C. Automatically treat all references as null and void
D. Transfer every case to civil court
Answer: B.
Explanation: Purposive interpretation avoids lapses in enforcement where offences have been recodified.

BNS includes offences related to “public servants and corruption.” Which principle applies?
A. Corruption is no longer an offence
B. Offences involving public servants, bribery and related abuse of office continue under BNS and special anti-corruption statutes
C. Public servants are immune from criminal law now
D. Corruption is only administratively sanctioned now
Answer: B.
Explanation: Public servant offences remain both in general code and in special statutes dealing with corruption.

Which of the following is accurate about BNS and “attempted suicide” allegations?
A. Attempted suicide is punished with life imprisonment under BNS
B. Modern policy favours medical/rehabilitative responses; check the BNS text for the exact statutory position and allied health laws
C. Attempted suicide is equivalent to murder now
D. Attempted suicide is treated as a tax offence now
Answer: B.
Explanation: The legal landscape around attempted suicide has evolved; always read the BNS text and allied health statutes for precise wording.

BNS’s text is expected to be read along with which related procedural statute?
A. The Civil Procedure Code only
B. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) — the procedural/arrestand remand statute — and allied procedural enactments
C. Companies Act only
D. No procedural law is needed
Answer: B.
Explanation: Substantive/ procedural codes are designed to operate together; BNSS handles procedural criminal law.

Which of the following best describes BNS’s treatment of “child offenders”?
A. Child offenders are treated identically to adults always
B. There are special provisions and protections applicable to offences involving children, in line with international principles and domestic child-protection laws
C. Children are immune from criminal law entirely
D. Children are tried in military courts now
Answer: B.
Explanation: Special safeguards and distinct treatment reflect child protection policy.

BNS retains the principle of “double jeopardy” (i.e., no person shall be tried twice for the same offence). This principle is commonly expressed as:
A. Nullum crimen, nulla poena sine lege only
B. A person cannot be punished more than once for the same offence; BNS preserves protections against double jeopardy consistent with constitutional principles
C. Everyone can be tried repeatedly for the same act
D. Double jeopardy is a civil doctrine only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Fundamental protections like double jeopardy continue under modern penal codes.

Under BNS, “insanity” or mental incapacity as a defence is:
A. No longer available
B. Recognised where the defendant lacked capacity to understand the nature of the act (modernised provisions reflect established jurisprudence)
C. Only relevant for financial crimes
D. A new civil remedy only
Answer: B.
Explanation: The mental incapacity defence remains a recognised exception to criminal responsibility.

Which chapter in BNS would you consult for offences relating to elections, money, forging, etc.?
A. Civil Remedies chapter
B. Dedicated chapters on elections; on coins/currency; on forgery and related offences
C. Only the Schedule section (not chapters)
D. There are no chapters — only appendices
Answer: B.
Explanation: BNS organises offences by topic; each topic has a chapter.

Which of the following is a judicial approach taken to handle transitional problems when BNS replaced IPC?
A. Courts froze all criminal proceedings indefinitely
B. Courts interpreted references and read continuity where substance is equivalent to avoid enforcement gaps
C. Courts required Parliament to re-enact every law again from scratch immediately
D. Courts refused to hear any case involving BNS offences for years
Answer: B.
Explanation: Judicial interpretation aimed at continuity and purposive reading of cross-references.

Which of the following is true about how BNS deals with “attempted theft vs. completed theft”?
A. Attempted theft is never punishable
B. Attempted offences are punishable under BNS and graded according to the degree of preparation/act done
C. Attempted theft is a civil matter now
D. Attempted theft equals murder under BNS
Answer: B.
Explanation: Inchoate liability remains part of penal doctrine and statutory coverage.

BNS’s chapter on “Offences Against Public Tranquillity” would include offences such as:
A. Purely tax evasion cases only
B. Riot, causing fear of injury, affray and unlawful assembly
C. Domestic disputes only
D. All civil contract breaches
Answer: B.
Explanation: Public order offences are retained with clearer categorisation.

If another statute refers to an offence “as defined in the Indian Penal Code,” post-BNS enactment, the most practical solution is:
A. Stop all prosecutions immediately
B. Interpret the reference as applying to the corresponding BNS offence where the substance matches, unless the statute expressly ties to a particular numbering
C. Convert the entire statute into a non-enforceable instrument
D. Only administrative enforcement is allowed
Answer: B.
Explanation: Courts and authorities use purposive interpretation to maintain functioning legal regimes.

Which of the following best captures the relationship between BNS and international criminal law obligations?
A. BNS nullifies India’s treaty obligations
B. BNS must be read and applied in a manner consistent with India’s international obligations unless domestic law explicitly conflicts
C. International law always overrides BNS automatically without domestic incorporation
D. BNS is only for internal administrative use
Answer: B.
Explanation: Domestic codes operate subject to India’s treaty obligations and constitutional framework.

BNS approach to “defences of necessity” and “private defence” is:
A. Abandoned entirely
B. Maintained but modernised: private defence and necessity remain legitimate defences where circumstances justify the act
C. Only available for corporate actors
D. Replaced by civil remedies only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Traditional defences like private defence and necessity continue under modern codes.

Which of the following offences is most likely to be found in the BNS chapter on “Offences Affecting the Human Body”?
A. Counterfeiting coins only
B. Hurt, grievous hurt and assault
C. Election campaign violations only
D. Tax fraud only
Answer: B.
Explanation: These are classic human-harm offences placed under the relevant chapter.

BNS’s treatment of “conspiracy” is such that:
A. Conspiracy is now a civil tort only
B. Conspiracy to commit an offence remains punishable; the statute defines constitutive elements
C. Conspiracy is same as attempt always
D. No person may be charged with conspiracy anymore
Answer: B.
Explanation: Conspiracy remains part of substantive criminal liability under BNS.

BNS includes offences that overlap with special enactments (e.g., food safety offences). When overlap exists, courts will generally:
A. Pick BNS always
B. Apply the special law where it is clearly intended to govern the matter; use BNS as general guidance if special law is silent
C. Ignore the special enactment entirely
D. Merge both laws automatically into one punishment
Answer: B.
Explanation: Lex specialis principle guides the approach where special laws exist.

Under BNS, the notion of “continuing offence” (where the act extends over time) is:
A. Eliminated
B. Retained — where conduct spans time, law treats it as continuing for charging and limitation purposes as per statutory text
C. Treated as multiple minor civil offences only
D. Automatically treated as single day’s offence only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Continuing offence doctrine helps in cases of sustained harmful conduct.

BNS contains offences relating to “coin, currency notes and government stamps.” These provisions are aimed at:
A. Discouraging cash use entirely
B. Deterring counterfeiting and preserving monetary integrity
C. Only regulating postal stamps now
D. Monetary policy functions only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Criminal sanctions protect monetary instruments and public trust.

Which of the following is correct regarding the repeal of the IPC when BNS was enacted?
A. The IPC remained concurrently in full force with BNS
B. The BNS replaced the substantive provisions of the IPC; procedural and other linked statutes were adjusted accordingly
C. Both IPC and BNS operated with identical numbering always
D. IPC expanded after BNS enactment
Answer: B.
Explanation: BNS is the new substantive penal code replacing IPC in its substantive scope (subject to transitional provisions).

Under BNS, certain offences are classified with “enhanced penalties” for repeat offenders. The policy reason is:
A. To punish poor people only
B. To provide deterrence for recidivism where prior convictions show higher risk
C. To encourage more appeals
D. No rational basis exists
Answer: B.
Explanation: Enhanced penalties for recidivists are a common penal policy to deter repeated harmful conduct.

Which of the following describes BNS’s relationship to special victim-centric laws (e.g., child protection statutes)?
A. BNS supplants all victim statutes
B. BNS operates alongside specialized protective statutes; both may apply depending on facts
C. Only BNS applies and protects victims
D. Victim statutes are now only advisory
Answer: B.
Explanation: Specialized statutes provide specific protections that complement the general penal code.

BNS includes offences dealing with “fraud” and “commercial dishonesty.” For these offences, evidence of mens rea is typically:
A. Not required for any fraud offence
B. Often required — proving intention to deceive or dishonesty is central to fraud offences
C. Always presumed automatically
D. Irrelevant to sentencing
Answer: B.
Explanation: Fraud requires proof of dishonest intention in most cases; statutory phrasing clarifies required mental element.

Which of the following is true about “attempted rape” or sexual assault attempts under BNS?
A. Attempted sexual assault is no longer punishable
B. Attempts to commit sexual offences are punishable and may attract substantial sentences depending on gravity and facts
C. Only successful offences are punishable now
D. Attempts are civil matters only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Inchoate sexual offences are addressed and punishable under BNS.

Under BNS, the doctrine of “necessity” as a defence would apply where:
A. The accused chooses to break the law for private gain only
B. The act was done to prevent a greater public or private harm and all statutory and judicial tests for necessity are met
C. The accused acts maliciously only
D. Necessity always completely absolves any criminal liability in all circumstances
Answer: B.
Explanation: Necessity may excuse conduct in narrowly defined circumstances when statutory/ judicial tests are satisfied.

BNS’s treatment of “criminal breach of trust” is primarily to:
A. Make it an administrative offence only
B. Punish dishonest appropriation or misuse of entrusted property
C. Convert it into family law jurisdiction
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Trust-breach offences target misuse of property entrusted to someone’s care.

Which of the following best summarises judicial commentary soon after BNS’s enforcement?
A. Courts uniformly refused to apply BNS on any ground
B. Courts focused on continuity of law, purposive interpretation of legacy references, and resolving transitional issues pragmatically
C. Courts declared BNS unconstitutional immediately everywhere
D. Courts stopped criminal trials nationwide for years
Answer: B.
Explanation: Judicial practice concentrated on ensuring continuity and addressing interpretive challenges.

BNS contains offences for impersonation and identity fraud. The policy purpose is:
A. Only to punish children
B. To protect individuals and institutions from misuse of identity and document falsification
C. To criminalise all anonymous speech only
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Identity fraud offences protect against abuse of personal identifiers and documents.

Which of the following is true about the mode of proving offences under BNS (evidence standards)?
A. BNS creates an entirely different evidence code independent of Evidence Act
B. Evidence Act and ordinary rules of proof continue to apply; BNS offences are proved using established evidence law
C. Confessions are always inadmissible under BNS
D. All prosecutions are based on guesswork
Answer: B.
Explanation: The Indian Evidence Act continues as the primary law on evidence; BNS offences are proved accordingly.

The BNS includes provisions aimed at economic offences. Which of the following is an example of such an offence?
A. Assault only
B. Cheating, forgery, counterfeiting, fraud, and other dishonest conduct affecting economic interests
C. Road traffic violations only
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Economic offences form part of the organised chapters in the code.

Which of the following is accurate about BNS and “contempt” or public order offences related to contempt?
A. Contempt is handled only by the legislature now
B. Contempt of court remains a distinct concept with separate processes; BNS covers public order offences but contempt is governed by separate rules
C. Contempt is now a civil family matter only
D. Contempt no longer exists anywhere
Answer: B.
Explanation: Contempt law is separate and specialized; BNS deals with public order offences.

Which of the following best captures BNS’s treatment of “incitement” to commit offences?
A. Incitement is always non-punishable
B. Incitement, solicitation and instigation are actionable where they meet statutory elements and risk of harm
C. Incitement is only a tort now
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Inchoate and instigatory conduct is often covered to prevent harm before it occurs.

Under BNS, the presence of a “victim impact” provision in sentencing suggests:
A. There is no role for victims in the process
B. Courts may take into account the impact of crime on victims when sentencing, consistent with statutory guidance
C. Victims decide the sentence entirely
D. No such provisions exist anywhere
Answer: B.
Explanation: Victim impact considerations are increasingly recognised in modern penal policy.

Which of the following is true about the punishments chapter in BNS?
A. Punishments are randomly assigned with no rationale
B. Punishments are structured, with options for fine, imprisonment (simple/rigorous), and alternative measures in some cases
C. Punishments only include execution always
D. Punishments are only restorative civil remedies now
Answer: B.
Explanation: The code retains structured punishment options with gradations and alternatives.

Which statutory principle helps determine whether a BNS offence corresponds to an old IPC offence for cross-reference purposes?
A. Lex posterior derogat priori automatically in all cases
B. Purposive construction: compare elements and substantive criminality to determine correspondence
C. Random choice of judges only
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: Purposive statutory interpretation aligns new offences to older references where substance corresponds.

BNS contains an approach to “criminal intimidation.” The primary policy behind this offence is:
A. To criminalise harmless speech only
B. To prohibit threats that cause fear of injury, loss or wrongful gain
C. Only to punish pranks
D. To limit freedom of expression entirely
Answer: B.
Explanation: Criminal intimidation targets purposeful threats that create fear or coerce conduct.

Which of the following is true about transitional arrangements when BNS came into force?
A. All proceedings under IPC were automatically wiped out
B. Transitional provisions and judicial interpretations were needed to deal with pending cases and cross-references; enactments and notifications guided operationalisation
C. No courts could hear criminal cases until Parliament re-enacted every single law again
D. All police files were destroyed by law
Answer: B.
Explanation: Transitional arrangements and judicial decisions managed continuity of pending cases and related statutes.

Does BNS provide for offences related to “bribery and official corruption”?
A. No, corruption is allowed now
B. Yes — offences involving corrupt conduct by public servants are covered and special anti-corruption statutes continue to operate
C. Only civil penalties exist now for bribery
D. Corruption is purely administrative only
Answer: B.
Explanation: Corruption offences remain part of general criminal law and special statutes.

Which of the following best describes the treatment of “perjury” or giving false evidence under BNS?
A. Perjury is decriminalised completely
B. Perjury / false evidence offences are retained and penalised to protect the integrity of judicial processes
C. False evidence is only an ethical issue now
D. Perjury is only punishable by civil contempt now
Answer: B.
Explanation: Protecting judicial process integrity requires penal sanctions against false evidence.

Which of the following best summarises BNS’s policy on “restorative justice” or alternatives to imprisonment?
A. BNS bans any alternatives to imprisonment
B. BNS allows scope for alternatives, rehabilitation and proportional sentencing where appropriate (policy trend)
C. Restorative restoration is the only sanction permitted now
D. No non-custodial measures are allowed at all
Answer: B.
Explanation: Modern penal codes increasingly recognise restorative and rehabilitative options where fit.

Which chapter of BNS would you consult for offences related to “public servants” and misuse of office?
A. Economic offences only
B. A chapter dealing with offences by public servants and offences affecting administration of public service
C. Family law chapter only
D. Not covered anywhere
Answer: B.
Explanation: Specific chapters address public servant offences; special statutes also operate in parallel.

The BNS includes offences that resemble “criminal breach of trust,” “criminal misappropriation,” and “embezzlement.” The elements common to these offences involve:
A. Only accidental loss of property
B. Dishonest or unauthorised appropriation or misapplication of property entrusted to someone
C. Taxation only
D. None of the above
Answer: B.
Explanation: The common element is dishonest appropriation or misuse of entrusted property.

Which of the following best explains the effect of BNS on pending prosecutions framed strictly under IPC numbering?
A. All pending prosecutions collapse immediately
B. Prosecutions continue but may be re-mapped or read in light of corresponding BNS offences; transitional provisions and judicial directions guide this process
C. All accused are acquitted automatically
D. Pending cases must be refiled from scratch without exception
Answer: B.
Explanation: Courts and authorities used purposive continuity and transitional provisions to manage pending matters

Overall, the principal purpose of recodifying the penal law into BNS is to:
A. Centralise all power in one branch only
B. Modernise, simplify and reorganise substantive penal law for clarity, better enforcement, and alignment with contemporary policy goals
C. Eliminate due process safeguards entirely
D. Convert every civil wrong into a crime
Answer: B.
Explanation: The reform project aims at clarity, modernisation and policy alignment of substantive criminal law.