General Explanations:

3. (1) Throughout this Sanhita every definition of an offence, every penal provision,
   and every Illustration of every such definition or penal provision, shall be understood
   subject to the exceptions contained in the Chapter entitled “General Exceptions”, though
   those exceptions are not repeated in such definition, penal provision, or Illustration.
   Illustrations.
   (a) The sections in this Sanhita, which contain definitions of offences, do not express
   that a child under seven years of age cannot commit such offences; but the definitions are to
   be understood subject to the general exception which provides that nothing shall be an
   offence which is done by a child under seven years of age.
   (b) A, a police officer, without warrant, apprehends Z, who has committed murder. Here
   A is not guilty of the offence of wrongful confinement; for he was bound by law to apprehend
   Z, and therefore the case falls within the general exception which provides that “nothing is
   an offence which is done by a person who is bound by law to do it”.

   (2) Every expression which is explained in any Part of this Sanhita, is used in every Part
   of this Sanhita in conformity with the explanation.
   (3) When property is in the possession of a person’s spouse, clerk or servant, on
   account of that person, it is in that person’s possession within the meaning of this Sanhita.
   Explanation.—A person employed temporarily or on a particular occasion in the capacity
   of a clerk or servant, is a clerk or servant within the meaning of this sub-section.
   (4) In every Part of this Sanhita, except where a contrary intention appears from the
   context, words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions.
   (5) When a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common
   intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done
   by him alone.
   (6) Whenever an act, which is criminal only by reason of its being done with a criminal
   knowledge or intention, is done by several persons, each of such persons who joins in the
   act with such knowledge or intention is liable for the act in the same manner as if the act were
   done by him alone with that knowledge or intention.
   (7) Wherever the causing of a certain effect, or an attempt to cause that effect, by an
   act or by an omission, is an offence, it is to be understood that the causing of that effect
   partly by an act and partly by an omission is the same offence.
   Illustration.
   A intentionally causes Z’s death, partly by illegally omitting to give Z food, and partly
   by beating Z. A has committed murder.
   (8) When an offence is committed by means of several acts, whoever intentionally
   cooperates in the commission of that offence by doing any one of those acts, either singly or
   jointly with any other person, commits that offence.
   Illustrations.
   (a) A and B agree to murder Z by severally and at different times giving him small doses
   of poison. A and B administer the poison according to the agreement with intent to murder Z.
   Z dies from the effects the several doses of poison so administered to him. Here A and B
   intentionally cooperate in the commission of murder and as each of them does an act by
   which the death is caused, they are both guilty of the offence though their acts are separate.
   (b) A and B are joint jailors, and as such have the charge of Z, a prisoner, alternatively
   for six hours at a time. A and B, intending to cause Z’s death, knowingly cooperate in causing
   that effect by illegally omitting, each during the time of his attendance, to furnish Z with food
   supplied to them for that purpose. Z dies of hunger. Both A and B are guilty of the murder
   of Z.
   (c) A, a jailor, has the charge of Z, a prisoner. A, intending to cause Z’s death, illegally
   omits to supply Z with food; in consequence of which Z is much reduced in strength, but the
   starvation is not sufficient to cause his death. A is dismissed from his office, and B succeeds
   him. B, without collusion or cooperation with A, illegally omits to supply Z with food,
   knowing that he is likely thereby to cause Z’s death. Z dies of hunger. B is guilty of murder,
   but, as A did not cooperate with B. A is guilty only of an attempt to commit murder.
   (9) Where several persons are engaged or concerned in the commission of a criminal
   act, they may be guilty of different offences by means of that act.
   Illustration.
   A attacks Z under such circumstances of grave provocation that his killing of Z would
   be only culpable homicide not amounting to murder. B, having ill-will towards Z and intending

to kill him, and not having been subject to the provocation, assists A in killing Z. Here,
though A and B are both engaged in causing Z’s death, B is guilty of murder, and A is guilty
only of culpable homicide.

Notes of Section 3 of THE BHARATIYA NYAYA SANHITA, 2023 – BNS

Section 3: General Explanations

1. Interpretation of Offences: Definitions of offences and penal provisions in the Sanhita are subject to the exceptions listed in the “General Exceptions” chapter. These exceptions apply universally even if not explicitly stated within each provision.
   • Example: Children under seven years of age cannot commit offences, as per general exceptions.
2. Consistency in Expressions: Definitions provided in any part of the Sanhita apply uniformly throughout the legislation.
3. Possession of Property: Property held by a spouse, clerk, or servant on behalf of another person is considered in that person’s possession under this Sanhita.
   • Explanation: Temporary or occasional clerks or servants fall under this definition.
4. Act vs. Omission: Unless context indicates otherwise, references to acts also include illegal omissions.
5. Joint Liability: When several persons commit a criminal act in pursuit of a common intention, each is individually liable as if they committed the act alone.
   • Example: Joint responsibility applies even if acts are separate but towards a common criminal goal.
6. Criminal Knowledge or Intention: When an act requires criminal knowledge or intention and is performed by multiple persons, each is liable as if they alone performed the act with that knowledge or intention.
7. Combined Acts and Omissions: Offences involving the causing of a specific effect or attempted effect by act or omission are treated the same even if caused partly by act and partly by omission.
   • Example: Murder committed through both direct action and failure to provide sustenance.
8. Cooperation in Offence: If an offence is committed through multiple acts, intentional cooperation in any act by any person involved constitutes participation in the offence.
   • Example: Individuals cooperating in stages of a poisoning plot are equally guilty of murder.
9. Different Offences by Same Act: Multiple persons involved in a criminal act may be guilty of different offences arising from that act.
   • Example: Different degrees of participation may result in different criminal charges.