Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) – Section 204
Code: Section 204 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
Explanation: This section lays down the jurisdiction of courts in cases involving multiple offences committed by one or more individuals. It states that if the offences are such that they can be tried together under Sections 242, 243, 244, or 246 of the BNSS, then any court competent to try any of those offences can inquire into or try all of them.
Illustration:
- Scenario: A person commits theft (Section 379 BNSS) and assault (Section 323 BNSS) on the same victim.
- Application: Since the offences can be tried together under Section 242 of the BNSS (as they are committed against the same person), any court competent to try theft or assault can try both offences together.
Common Questions and Answers:
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Q: What are the conditions for offences to be tried together under Section 204?
A: The offences must either be committed by one person and triable under Sections 242, 243, or 244, or committed by multiple persons and triable together under Section 246. -
Q: Does Section 204 mandate that all offences be tried together?
A: No, Section 204 only provides the power to the court to try multiple offences together. The decision to try them separately or together is at the court’s discretion. -
Q: What are the benefits of trying multiple offences together?
A: It saves time and resources, avoids multiple trials, and ensures consistency in judgments.
