Question

Punishment for defamation under BNS is ........

• A. Imprisonment or Fine or Community Service
• B. Only Fine
• C. Only Imprisonment
• D. Imprisonment or Fine

Hint:

Under BNS, defamation can lead to imprisonment, fine, or community service — the court has discretion based on the gravity of the offense.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the legal provision for defamation has retained its criminal character and allows for a variety of punishments depending on the nature of the offense. Specifically, BNS introduces flexibility by allowing the court to impose: \begin{itemize} \item Imprisonment, or \item Fine, or \item Community Service \end{itemize} This tripartite model ensures proportionality in punishment. For example, for minor acts of defamation, the court may direct the offender to perform community service instead of serving jail time or paying a hefty fine. This approach not only maintains the deterrence factor but also aligns with the principles of reformative justice.
The inclusion of "community service" is a modern and rehabilitative measure. It marks a shift from merely punitive actions to constructive social accountability. The provision ensures that courts are empowered to consider the intent, damage caused, and circumstances before determining the mode of punishment.