Section 6 Fractions of Terms of Punishment in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Fractions of Terms of Punishment
Section 6 In calculating fractions of terms of punishment, imprisonment for life shall be
reckoned as equivalent to imprisonment for twenty years unless otherwise provided.
In the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), Section 6 deals with how terms of punishment are calculated, particularly when dealing with imprisonment for life. Here’s an explanation of the provision:
Understanding the Provision of Section 6
1. Imprisonment for Life:
- Imprisonment for life typically means incarceration for the remainder of the convict’s natural life unless commuted or remitted by competent authority.
2. Equivalence to 20 Years:
- According to Section 6 of BNS, when calculating fractions of terms of punishment, imprisonment for life is considered equivalent to imprisonment for twenty years. This means that for the purposes of calculating legal consequences based on duration of imprisonment, one term of life imprisonment is treated as if the person were sentenced to imprisonment for a fixed term of twenty years.
3. Unless Otherwise Provided:
- The provision also includes the caveat “unless otherwise provided”. This allows for flexibility in legal interpretations and adjustments as per specific circumstances or other laws that may specify different equivalences or considerations.
Rationale:
The rationale behind this provision is to provide a standardized measure for legal calculations and procedures involving imprisonment terms. By equating life imprisonment to twenty years, it simplifies the legal framework for sentencing and other legal consequences where the duration of imprisonment is a crucial factor
