Section 23: Sentences which Magistrates may pass.

Q: What does Section 23 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) deal with?

Section 23 BNSS pertains to "Sentences which Magistrates may pass.". It is part of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, a legislation enacted by the Parliament of India. Section 23 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) governs sentences which Magistrates may pass. As verified on 19 May 2026.

Q: Is Section 23 BNSS still in force?

Yes, Section 23 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 is currently in force across the Republic of India.

Q: What is धारा 23 BNSS?

धारा 23 BNSS is the Devanagari Hindi reference for Section 23 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Section 23 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) governs sentences which Magistrates may pass. As verified on 19 May 2026.

Q: What is Dhara 23 BNSS?

Dhara 23 BNSS is the Roman Hindi reference for Section 23 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. "Dhara" means "Section" in Hindi. Section 23 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) governs sentences which Magistrates may pass. As verified on 19 May 2026.

Q: How to cite Section 23 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?

Cite as: "Section 23, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)" in legal briefs. For academic writing, use the BlueBook format: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, § 23 (India).

Law on Tips Editorial Board

(1) The Court of a Chief Judicial Magistrate may pass any sentence authorised by law except a sentence of death or of imprisonment for life or of imprisonment for a term exceeding seven years.
(2) The Court of a Magistrate of the first class may pass a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or of fine not exceeding fifty thousand rupees, or of both, or of community service.
(3) The Court of Magistrate of the second class may pass a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or of fine not exceeding ten thousand rupees, or of both, or of community service.
Explanation.—"Community service " shall mean the work which the Court may order a convict to perform as a form of punishment that benefits the community, for which he shall not be entitled to any remuneration.