What Is BNSS Section 468?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Section 468: Sentence on Offender Already Sentenced for Another Offence

(1) When a person already undergoing a sentence of imprisonment is sentenced on a subsequent conviction to imprisonment or imprisonment for life, such imprisonment or imprisonment for life shall commence at the expiration of the imprisonment to which he has been previously sentenced, unless the Court directs that the subsequent sentence shall run concurrently with such previous sentence:

  Provided that where a person who has been sentenced to imprisonment by an order under section 141 in default of furnishing security is, whilst undergoing such sentence, sentenced to imprisonment for an offence committed prior to the making of such order, the latter sentence shall commence immediately.

(2) When a person already undergoing a sentence of imprisonment for life is sentenced on a subsequent conviction to imprisonment for a term or imprisonment for life, the subsequent sentence shall run concurrently with such previous sentence.

Brief Detail

Section 468 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, addresses the situation where a person already serving a sentence is convicted of another offence. It establishes that new sentences typically begin after the previous sentence ends, unless the court specifies otherwise. If the new conviction occurs while serving a sentence for a prior offence, the new sentence may start immediately in certain cases. Additionally, if a life sentence is already in place, any new term or life sentence will run concurrently.

Question & Answers

Q1: When does a new sentence of imprisonment commence for a person already serving a sentence?

A1: A new sentence of imprisonment typically commences at the expiration of the previous sentence unless the court directs that it runs concurrently.

Q2: What happens if a person sentenced under section 141 is given a new sentence for a prior offence?

A2: If a person sentenced to imprisonment under section 141 is given a new sentence for an offence committed before that order, the new sentence commences immediately.

Q3: What occurs if a person serving a life sentence receives a new sentence?

A3: If a person already serving a life sentence is sentenced on a subsequent conviction, the new sentence will run concurrently with the previous life sentence.

Example

1. Consecutive Sentences: A person serving a two-year sentence is convicted of another offence and receives a three-year sentence. The new sentence will begin after the two-year sentence is completed unless stated otherwise by the court.
2. Immediate Effect Scenario: A person sentenced under section 141 for failing to provide security is then sentenced to a year in prison for a prior offence. The new sentence takes effect immediately.
3. Concurrent Life Sentences: An individual serving a life sentence is convicted of another crime. The new life sentence will run concurrently, meaning they will not serve additional time beyond the original life sentence.

Summary

Section 468 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, clarifies how sentences are managed for offenders already serving time. It establishes rules for when new sentences start and allows for concurrent sentencing in specific situations, particularly when dealing with life sentences.