BNS Secrets: Laws You Break Every Day Without Knowing

Ever played music loud on a speaker? Took a U-turn where no one was watching? Shared a meme without credit?
Well, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, you may have technically just broken the law.

The new criminal code isn’t just about murders and thefts, some sections cover everyday acts that many people ignore or don’t even know exist.

Let’s decode the most commonly broken laws under the BNS that could land you in hot (legal) water.

1. Public Nuisance: That Late-Night Party May Be Illegal

🔍 BNS Section 281 – Public Nuisance

What’s Covered:
Any act causing common injury, danger, or annoyance to the public.

Penalty: Fine or simple imprisonment
💡 Annoying behaviour in public? The law notices, even if your neighbours don’t complain.

2. Sharing Fake News? That’s Punishable

🔍 BNS Section 73 – Circulating False or Misleading Information

What’s Covered:
Spreading false news or digital content that may cause public mischief or panic.

Examples:

• Forwarding unverified political posts on WhatsApp
• Sharing fake celebrity death news
• Making up screenshots or false quotes

Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment
💡 If it’s not verified, don’t amplify it. Digital mistakes can have criminal consequences.

3. Reckless Driving: Even Without a Crash, It’s a Crime

🔍 BNS Section 281(2) – Rash or Negligent Driving

What’s Covered:
Driving dangerously in a public place, regardless of whether harm is caused.

Examples:

Penalty: Up to 1 year imprisonment
💡 Just because you’re not caught doesn’t mean you’re not liable.

4. Dirtying Public Spaces: Think Before You Spit or Scribble

🔍 BNS Section 297 – Defacing or Damaging Public Property

What’s Covered:
Causing damage or defacement to any public property or area.

Examples:

• Spitting on walls
• Scribbling on bus stops
• Dumping waste illegally

Penalty: Fine or imprisonment
💡 It’s not just a civic issue, it’s a criminal one.

5. Fake Profiles or Impersonation? That’s a Crime

🔍 BNS Section 316 – Personation

What’s Covered:
Pretending to be someone else for deception or fraud.

Examples:

• Creating fake social media accounts
• Posing as another person in online forums
• Using another’s name to prank or troll

Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment
💡 Digital mischief can become digital crime fast.

6. Verbal Abuse in Public Spaces: Watch Your Words

🔍 BNS Section 131 – Use of Obscene Language or Gestures

What’s Covered:
Using vulgar language or gestures in a public setting.

Examples:

Penalty: Fine or jail term
💡Slipping up in anger can slip you into legal trouble.

Law-Abider’s Quick Checklist

Want to stay out of legal mess? Here’s a quick recap:

• Keep noise levels low in public
• Don’t forward unverified content
• Obey traffic rules, even without police around
• Keep public spaces clean
• Avoid fake accounts or impersonation
• Use respectful language in public

🎓 Why This Matters

Many of these offences are non-cognizable, but they still carry penalties and affect your public record.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 reflects India’s effort to modernise criminal law, and bring civic responsibility to the forefront.

Knowing these laws gives you an edge not just as a citizen, but as a legal aspirant.

Want to Stay Ahead of the Law?

Edzorb Law is your one-stop app for Visual Learning Notes, Mocks Tests, and smart summaries of complex laws like the BNS, 2023.

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