Section 326 BNS: Safeguarding Public Safety & Property

Section 326 BNS

Section 326 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) addresses various forms of mischief that can cause significant harm or danger to public safety and property. This section outlines several acts categorized as mischief, along with their corresponding punishments. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions of Section 326 BNS

1. Diminution of Water Supply:
   • Acts that reduce the supply of water for agricultural, human, or animal use can lead to imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both.
2. Impassable Public Infrastructure:
   • Actions that make public roads, bridges, or navigable channels unsafe or impassable are punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both.
3. Causing Inundation or Obstruction:
   • Causing or likely causing inundation or obstruction to public drainage, resulting in injury or damage, can result in similar penalties as above.
4. Destruction of Navigation Aids:
   • Destroying or impairing navigational signs or signals can lead to imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine, or both.
5. Landmark Destruction:
   • Moving or destroying landmarks established by public authorities can result in imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both.
6. Use of Fire or Explosives:
   • Intentionally causing damage to property, including agricultural produce, with fire or explosives can lead to imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine.
7. Destruction of Places of Worship or Dwellings:
   • Intending to destroy buildings used for worship or as dwellings with fire or explosives can result in life imprisonment or imprisonment for up to ten years, along with a fine.

This section reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing acts that jeopardize public safety and property, emphasizing the severity of punishments based on the nature of the offense.

What are the penalties for mischief by fire or explosive substance under Section 326 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Under Section 326 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the penalties for mischief committed by fire or explosive substances are as follows:

1. General Mischief by Fire or Explosive:
   • If a person commits mischief by using fire or any explosive substance with the intention to cause damage, or knowing that such damage is likely, they can face imprisonment for up to seven years and may also be liable to a fine.

Destruction of Specific Buildings:

• If the mischief involves the destruction of a building that is ordinarily used as a place of worship, a human dwelling, or for the custody of property, the punishment escalates to imprisonment for life or imprisonment for a term that may extend to ten years, along with a fine.

These provisions reflect a strict approach towards acts that can endanger life and property, emphasizing the severity of the consequences based on the nature of the offense.