BNSS Chapter I: 32 Quick Prelims Questions

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Use these 32 questions for a fast revision of Chapter I of the BNSS, 2023. Attempt all questions in one go, then check your answers with the answer-key given at the end of this page. 

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Preliminary Examination Practice Questions: Chapter I

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1. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 is Act No. ____ of 2023. A) 44 B) 45 C) 46 D) 47

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2. On which date did the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 receive the Presidential assent? A) 11th August, 2023 B) 10th November, 2023 C) 25th December, 2023 D) 1st July, 2024

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3. The BNSS, 2023 came into force on: A) 25th December, 2023 B) 1st January, 2024 C) 1st July, 2024 D) 15th August, 2024

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4. Under Section 1(2), the provisions of the BNSS, 2023 (other than Chapters IX, XI, and XII) do not apply to: A) The State of Jammu and Kashmir B) The State of Nagaland and the tribal areas C) The State of Manipur D) Union Territories

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5. As per Section 2(1)(a), the term "audio-video electronic means" includes the use of any communication device for: A) Video conferencing only B) Recording processes of identification, search, and seizure C) Transmission of electronic communication D) All of the above

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6. Under the new definitions in Section 2, "bail bond" specifically means: A) A personal bond B) An undertaking for release with surety C) An undertaking for release without surety D) A deposit made in lieu of surety

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7. A "warrant-case" is defined under Section 2(1)(z) as a case relating to an offence punishable with: A) Death, imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for a term exceeding two years B) Imprisonment for a term exceeding seven years C) Imprisonment for a term exceeding one year D) Death or life imprisonment only

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8. According to Section 2(1)(h), a "complaint" does not include: A) Oral allegations made to a Magistrate B) Written allegations made to a Magistrate C) A police report D) Allegations against unknown persons

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9. "Investigation" under the BNSS includes all proceedings for the collection of evidence conducted by: A) A Magistrate B) A police officer or any person (other than a Magistrate) authorised by a Magistrate C) An Executive Magistrate only D) A Sessions Judge

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10. "Victim" as defined in Section 2(1)(y) includes: A) Only the person who has suffered loss or injury B) The guardian of the person who suffered loss or injury C) The legal heir of the person who suffered loss or injury D) All of the above

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11. A "non-cognizable offence" means an offence for which a police officer: A) May arrest without warrant B) Has no authority to arrest without warrant C) Must obtain a warrant from a Sessions Judge D) Can arrest only with the permission of the District Magistrate

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12. According to Section 3(2), functions involving the appreciation or shifting of evidence or the formulation of a decision exposing a person to punishment shall be exercisable by: A) An Executive Magistrate B) A Judicial Magistrate C) A Special Executive Magistrate D) A Police Officer

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13. "Inquiry" as defined in Section 2(1)(k) means every inquiry, other than a ____, conducted under this Sanhita by a Magistrate or Court. A) Investigation B) Trial C) Judicial proceeding D) Preliminary inquiry

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14. Section 5 of the BNSS (Saving clause) states that in the absence of a specific provision, the Sanhita shall not affect: A) Any special or local law for the time being in force B) Any special jurisdiction or power conferred by any other law C) Any special form of procedure prescribed by any other law D) All of the above

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15. Under Section 2(1)(o), a "non-cognizable case" is a case in which a police officer: A) Has no authority to arrest without warrant B) Can arrest only with a warrant from a Magistrate C) Is bound to refer the informant to the Magistrate D) Both A and B

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16. According to the Explanation to Section 1, "tribal areas" are defined as the territories included in the tribal areas of Assam immediately before which date? 

A) 26th January, 1950
B) 21st January, 1972
C) 15th August, 1947
D) 1st July, 2024

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17. The BNSS, 2023 came into force on 1st July, 2024, except for the provisions of the entry relating to which specific section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)? 

A) Section 103(2)
B) Section 111
C) Section 106(2)
D) Section 152

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18. Under the new definition in Section 2(1)(i), "electronic communication" means the communication of any written, verbal, pictorial information or video content transmitted by means of: A) An electronic device only
B) A telephone or mobile phone only
C) Any electronic device or electronic form as specified by the Central Government
D) Video conferencing tools only

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19. As per the definitions in Section 2, what is the key legal distinction between a "bond" and a "bail bond"? 

A) A bond is for bailable offences, while a bail bond is for non-bailable offences.
B) A bond is a personal bond or undertaking for release without surety, while a bail bond is an undertaking for release with surety.
C) A bail bond requires a cash deposit, whereas a bond only requires a signature.
D) There is no legal distinction between the two under the Sanhita.

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20. According to Section 3(2)(b), which of the following functions are specifically categorized as administrative or executive and thus exercisable by an Executive Magistrate? 

A) Appreciation or shifting of evidence
B) Formulation of a decision exposing a person to punishment
C) Granting, suspension, or cancellation of a license
D) Detention in custody pending investigation

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21. The Explanation to Section 2(1)(l) regarding "investigation" clarifies that if the provisions of a Special Act are inconsistent with this Sanhita: 

A) The Sanhita shall prevail in all procedural matters.
B) The provisions of the Special Act shall prevail.
C) The High Court must be consulted to resolve the inconsistency.
D) Both shall be applied equally, favoring the accused.

22. Under Section 2(1)(h), if a police officer's report discloses, after investigation, the commission of a non-cognizable offence, how is that report treated?

 A) It is treated as a Police Report under Section 193(3).
B) It is deemed to be a complaint, and the police officer is deemed the complainant.
C) It is discarded, and the informant must file a fresh complaint.
D) It is treated as an information under Section 174.

23. "Judicial proceeding" as defined in Section 2(1)(m) includes any proceeding in the course of which evidence is or may be legally taken on:

 A) Video recording
B) Written affidavit only
C) Oath
D) Audio-video electronic means

24. Section 5 of the BNSS (Saving clause) explicitly protects "special forms of procedure" prescribed by other laws. In this context, the Sanhita shall not affect such procedures: 

A) Unless the High Court directs otherwise.
B) In the absence of a specific provision to the contrary in the BNSS.
C) Only if they relate to non-cognizable offences.
D) Only if the Supreme Court has previously validated them.

25. A "summons-case" is defined under Section 2(1)(x) as: 

A) A case relating to an offence punishable with fine only.
B) A case relating to an offence, and not being a warrant-case.
C) A case where the punishment does not exceed seven years.
D) A case involving only compoundable offences.

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26. Under Section 2(1)(b), "bail" is defined as: 

A) The absolute release of an accused person from all legal obligations. B) The release of a person accused or suspected of an offence from the custody of law upon certain conditions and execution of a bond or bail bond. C) The temporary release of a convict on humanitarian grounds. D) The suspension of a sentence by the High Court.

27. As per Section 2(1)(c), a "bailable offence" means: 

A) An offence punishable with less than three years of imprisonment. B) An offence shown as bailable in the First Schedule, or made bailable by any other law for the time being in force. C) Any offence where a police officer has the authority to grant release without a bond. D) Only those offences specifically listed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

28. The definition of "offence" under Section 2(1)(q) specifically includes any act in respect of which a complaint may be made under Section 20 of which Act? 

A) The Police Act, 1861 B) The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 C) The Cattle Trespass Act, 1871 D) The Information Technology Act, 2000

29. According to Section 2(1)(r), if the "officer in charge of a police station" is absent or ill, who is included in that definition? 

A) Any constable present at the station. B) The police officer present at the station-house who is next in rank to such officer and is above the rank of constable. C) Only the Sub-Inspector or Assistant Sub-Inspector. D) Any person authorized by the District Magistrate.

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30. Under Section 2(1)(s), the term "place" includes which of the following? 

A) A house and a building only. B) A tent and a vessel only. C) A house, building, tent, vehicle, and vessel. D) Any geographical area within the local jurisdiction.

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31. Section 2(2) provides a rule for words and expressions used in the BNSS but not defined therein. Where should their meanings be sought? 

A) The General Clauses Act, 1897 B) The Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 C) The Constitution of India D) The Indian Contract Act, 1872

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32. "Public Prosecutor" as defined in Section 2(1)(v) means any person appointed under Section 18 and includes: 

A) Any person acting under the directions of a Public Prosecutor. B) Only the Advocate General of the State. C) Any police officer conducting a prosecution. D) Any advocate with 10 years of experience.

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For practising statement based questions, refer to PART B of this page. 

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Answers and Explanations

1. C) 46

2. C) 25th December, 2023

3. C) 1st July, 2024 (Except the provision relating to Section 106(2) of the BNS)

4. B) The State of Nagaland and the tribal areas

5. D) All of the above (It covers video conferencing, recording processes, and electronic transmission)

6. B) An undertaking for release with surety

7. A) Death, imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for a term exceeding two years

8. C) A police report (Section 2(1)(h) explicitly excludes it)

9. B) A police officer or any person (other than a Magistrate) authorised by a Magistrate

10. D) All of the above (The definition includes the person who suffered loss, their guardian, and legal heir)

11. B) Has no authority to arrest without warrant

12. B) A Judicial Magistrate

13. B) Trial

14. D) All of the above (Section 5 protects special laws, jurisdictions, and procedures)

15. D) Both A and B (A police officer has no authority to arrest without a warrant in a non-cognizable case)

16. B) 21st January, 1972

17. C) Section 106(2) (This relates to the specific exception mentioned in the Date of Enforcement notification)

18. C) Any electronic device or electronic form as specified by the Central Government

19. B) A bond is a personal bond or undertaking for release without surety, while a bail bond is an undertaking for release with surety.

20. C) Granting, suspension, or cancellation of a license (Section 3 clarifies that functions involving evidence appreciation are for Judicial Magistrates, while administrative ones are for Executive Magistrates)

21. B) The provisions of the Special Act shall prevail.

22. B) It is deemed to be a complaint, and the police officer is deemed the complainant.

23. C) Oath

24. B) In the absence of a specific provision to the contrary in the BNSS.

25. B) A case relating to an offence, and not being a warrant-case.

26. B) The release of a person accused or suspected of an offence from the custody of law upon certain conditions and execution of a bond or bail bond.

27. B) An offence shown as bailable in the First Schedule, or made bailable by any other law for the time being in force.

28. C) The Cattle Trespass Act, 1871.

29. B) The police officer present at the station-house who is next in rank to such officer and is above the rank of constable.

30. C) A house, building, tent, vehicle, and vessel.

31. B) The Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

32. A) Any person acting under the directions of a Public Prosecutor.