BNS Section 209

BNS section 209 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, addresses the offense of non-appearance in response to a proclamation under section 84 of the BNSS.

Whoever fails to appear at the specified place and the specified time as required by a proclamation published under sub-section (1) of section 84 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine or with both or with community service, and where a declaration has been made under sub-section (4) of that section pronouncing him as a proclaimed offender, he shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.

BNS-209: Non-Appearance in Response to a Proclamation

Key Points

1. Purpose of the Law

BNS-209 addresses the consequences for individuals who fail to appear in response to a legal proclamation. It aims to ensure compliance with legal proceedings, particularly in cases involving absconders.

2. Legal Obligations

• Proclamation Requirements: The law applies when a person is required to appear at a specified time and place due to a proclamation published under sub-section (1) of section 84 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

• Intentional Omission: The law targets those who intentionally neglect this obligation.
   

3. Penalties for Non-Compliance

• General Penalty for failing to appear: Imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both. Community service may also be imposed as an alternative punishment.

• Enhanced Penalty for Proclaimed Offenders: If a person has been declared a proclaimed offender under sub-section (4) of section 84, the punishment increases to up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine.
   

4. Significance

This section underscores the seriousness of legal summons and emphasizes the consequences of non-compliance, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the legal process.

Browse through our complete index of all BNS sections. Learn about the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with our extensive resource that covers every section in detail.