Understanding the Preamble of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Preamble Text:
“An Act to consolidate and amend the provisions relating to offences and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-fourth Year of the Republic of India as follows:”
Introduction
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) is India’s new criminal code, enacted to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) — a law that had been in force since the British era. The Preamble of the BNS is short, formal, and tightly worded, but it carries deep meaning. Every term in this one-line introduction reflects the intention, scope, and authority of the new criminal law system.
In this article, we break down and explain the important terms used in the Preamble of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, so that its purpose becomes crystal clear.
⚖️ Key Terms Explained
1. “An Act”
The phrase “An Act” indicates that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is a law formally enacted by Parliament.
Once a Bill is passed by both Houses of Parliament and receives the President’s assent, it becomes an Act.
Hence, this marks the BNS as a binding legal document—not just a policy or guideline.
2. “To consolidate”
The word “consolidate” means to bring together or unify different provisions or laws into one comprehensive legal text.
Over the years, many amendments, case laws, and overlapping provisions made the IPC complex.
The BNS consolidates all such criminal provisions into a single, modern, and simplified code.
🟢 In short: “Consolidate” = Bring all related laws into one place.
3. “To amend”
The term “amend” means to make changes, modifications, or improvements in the law.
The BNS doesn’t just copy the IPC — it updates definitions, penalties, and procedures to suit today’s social, digital, and legal realities.
For example, cybercrimes and offences against women have been redefined with more clarity.
🟢 “Amend” = Modernize the old law.
4. “Provisions relating to offences”
This refers to the specific sections and clauses that define what acts are crimes and what punishments they attract.
An “offence” means any act or omission made punishable by law.
So, the BNS gathers and updates all the rules defining crimes in India—from theft to terrorism.
🟢 This part tells us that BNS deals with all types of offences and their legal consequences.
5. “Matters connected therewith or incidental thereto”
This legal phrase looks complicated, but it’s actually about completeness.
It means the Act will also cover everything related to or arising out of criminal law—like:
- Investigation processes
- Punishment procedures
- Legal definitions
- Exceptions, defences, and other connected issues
🟢 In short: This ensures nothing related to criminal offences is left out.
6. “BE it enacted by Parliament”
This phrase is a formal constitutional declaration.
It signifies that the law has been passed by the sovereign legislative body — the Parliament of India.
It gives legitimacy and authority to the Act, meaning it has full legal force.
🟢 This marks the transition from a bill to a law.
7. “In the Seventy-fourth Year of the Republic of India”
This phrase situates the law in historical and constitutional time.
It simply means the law was enacted in the 74th year after India became a Republic (1950) — i.e., in 2023–24.
It’s a traditional way of marking the year of legislation in Indian statutes.
🏛️ Purpose and Spirit of the Preamble
The Preamble of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 reflects three main objectives:
- Unification – Bringing all criminal provisions under one modern code.
- Modernization – Amending old British-era laws to suit today’s India.
- Comprehensiveness – Covering all matters directly or indirectly connected with criminal law.
Together, these aims show that the BNS seeks to create a justice system rooted in Indian values, yet aligned with contemporary realities.
📘 Conclusion
The Preamble may be short, but it sets the tone for the entire Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It announces a law that consolidates, amends, and revitalizes India’s criminal justice system — making it simpler, fairer, and more in tune with modern India.
🪶 Short Summary
The Preamble of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 defines it as an Act to consolidate and amend laws relating to offences and matters connected therewith. It signifies a modern reform of India’s criminal law, ensuring clarity, unity, and relevance in the justice system.
Also Read – Section 1 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Short Title, Commencement and Application Explained