BNS Section 1 - Short Title, Commencement, and Application

Example 1 (International Crime by Indian Citizen):
A, an Indian citizen, commits a fraud in London, targeting an Indian company’s computer network based in Mumbai. Under the BNS, A can be prosecuted in India, even though the act occurred outside Indian territory, because the offence targeted an Indian resource (computer system).

Example 2 (Offence on Indian Aircraft):
B commits a murder aboard an Indian-registered aircraft flying over international waters. B will be prosecuted in India under the BNS, as the act occurred on an Indian-registered aircraft, regardless of its location.

Everyday Examples:
To better understand how Section 1 applies in real-life situations, let’s look at a few examples that demonstrate its scope and how it functions in different contexts

1. An Indian Abroad:Let’s say an Indian living in London commits a serious crime. Even though it happened in another country, Indian law can still take action and punish that person.
2. Crime on a Ship:If someone commits theft on a ship flying the Indian flag, even in the middle of the ocean, they can be charged under this law.
3. Cyber Attack: If a hacker in another country attacks a computer system in India, the hacker could still face consequences under Indian law.
4. Soldier Desertion: If a soldier leaves his duty without permission, the military will handle it according to its own laws, not under the BNS.

Short Title and Commencement: