Section 128 – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita(BNSS) – Security For Good Behaviour From Suspected Persons.

Code

When an Executive Magistrate receives information that there is within his local
jurisdiction a person taking precautions to conceal his presence and that there is reason to
believe that he is doing so with a view to committing a cognizable offence, the Magistrate
may, in the manner hereinafter provided, require such person to show cause why he should
not be ordered to execute a bond or bail bond for his good behaviour for such period, not
exceeding one year, as the Magistrate thinks fit.

Explanation:

This section empowers an Executive Magistrate to take preventive action against individuals suspected of planning a cognizable offense. If the Magistrate receives credible information that a person is concealing their presence and is likely doing so to commit a crime, they can order the individual to provide a bond for good behavior.

Illustration:

Imagine a local magistrate receives information that a group of individuals are gathering in a secluded location, behaving suspiciously, and attempting to avoid detection. The Magistrate, suspecting that they might be planning a violent attack or another serious crime, can invoke Section 128 and order the individuals to appear before them.

The Magistrate will then examine the situation and determine whether there is sufficient reason to believe the individuals are planning a cognizable offense. If so, the Magistrate can require them to provide a bond, with or without sureties, to ensure they maintain good behavior for a specified period, not exceeding one year.