Code –Section 57 BNS
Whoever abets the commission of an offence by the public generally or by any
number or class of persons exceeding ten, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years and with fine.
Illustration.
A affixes in a public place a placard instigating a sect consisting of more than ten
members to meet at a certain time and place, for the purpose of attacking the members of an
adverse sect, while engaged in a procession. A has committed the offence defined in this
section.
Explanation of Section 57 BNS
1. What Does Section 57 BNS Cover?
Section 57 criminalizes the abetment of offences involving a large group of people (more than ten). It applies when:
- The general public or a large group (more than ten persons) is incited to commit an offence.
- The abetment leads to public disorder, riots, or violence.
2. Punishment Under Section 57 BNS
- Imprisonment up to 7 years.
- Fine (amount determined by the court).
3. Key Elements of Section 57
✔️ Abetment must involve a large group (more than ten people).
✔️ It applies to all forms of abetment (written, verbal, digital, or physical).
✔️ No need for the offence to actually happen—just the act of inciting is enough.
👉 For related sections, see:
- Section 56 BNS – Covers abetment of individual offences.
- Section 121 BNS – Covers offences related to waging war against the government.
Examples of Section 57 BNS in Action
Case Study 1: Social Media Incitement
A person posts on social media urging a large group (e.g., more than ten protesters) to attack a government office.
👉 They can be charged under Section 57 even if the attack never happens.
Case Study 2: Religious Riot Incitement
A political leader delivers a speech urging a crowd of 50 people to destroy a rival community’s property.
👉 The leader is guilty under Section 57 BNS, as the offence was abetted publicly.
Common Questions on Section 57 BNS
1. Does the offence need to be committed for punishment under Section 57?
🚫 No! Even if the crime does not occur, abetment alone is punishable.
2. What if someone abets fewer than ten people?
🔹 If fewer than ten people are involved, Section 57 does not apply.
🔹 However, the person may still be charged under general abetment laws like Section 56 BNS.
3. How is this different from instigating a riot?
🛑 Instigating a riot (under Section 146 BNS) requires actual violence.
🛑 Section 57 only requires abetment, whether or not violence occurs.
4. Can a journalist or activist be charged under Section 57?
📰 If a journalist simply reports facts, they are not liable.
⚠️ However, if they actively incite public violence, they can be punished.
Conclusion
Section 57 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, criminalizes the abetment of public offences involving more than ten people. It ensures those who incite riots, mob violence, or public disturbances face strict penalties.
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