What Is BNSS Section 503?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Section 503: Destruction of libellous and other matter

(1) On a conviction under section 292, section 293, section 354 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Court may order the destruction of all the copies of the thing in respect of which the conviction was had, and which are in the custody of the Court or remain in the possession or power of the person convicted.

(2) The Court may, in like manner, on a conviction under section 272, section 273, section 274 or section 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, order the food, drink, drug or medical preparation in respect of which the conviction was had, to be destroyed.

Brefe Detail

Section 503 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 addresses the destruction of materials deemed libellous or harmful following a conviction. It empowers the Court to order the destruction of all copies of the offending material in the possession of the convicted individual or the Court itself. This section also applies to specific food and drug offenses, allowing the destruction of these items if they are linked to a conviction.

Question & Answers

Q1: What does Section 503 allow the Court to do after a conviction?

A1: It allows the Court to order the destruction of all copies of the material related to the conviction and any food, drink, drug, or medical preparation involved in the case.

Q2: Under which sections can the Court order the destruction of libellous material?

A2: The Court can order destruction under section 292, section 293, and section 354 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Q3: What items can be destroyed under this section?

A3: All copies of the offending material, as well as food, drink, drugs, or medical preparations linked to certain convictions.

Q4: Can the destruction order apply to items in the possession of the convicted person?

A4: Yes, the order applies to items in the custody of the Court or in the possession of the convicted individual.

Example

- Example 1: If a person is convicted under section 292 for distributing libellous pamphlets, the Court can order all copies of those pamphlets in their possession to be destroyed.

- Example 2: If a company is convicted under section 272 for selling contaminated food, the Court may order the destruction of all batches of that food product still in their inventory.

Summary

Section 503 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 outlines the legal provisions for the destruction of harmful or libellous materials following a conviction. It grants the Court the authority to eliminate copies of offensive items and unsafe food or drugs, ensuring public safety and accountability.