Understanding Sections 6 and 7 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

**Interpretation of Sections 6 and 7 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023**

The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, makes some key provisions for the quantification and character of imprisonment terms in India. Sections 6 and 7 directly deal with the quantification of life imprisonment and the role of courts in deciding the form of imprisonment.

**Section 6: Quantification of Life Imprisonment**

Section 6 of the BNS prescribes that when computing fractions of imprisonment terms, life imprisonment equals 20 years, unless otherwise specified. cite This makes computation easier in checking for parole and remission computation.

*Illustration:* Suppose a law mandates that a convict should serve half their life term to be eligible for parole. Section 6 states that such a period will equal 10 years (half of 20 years). cite

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**Section 7: Nature of Imprisonment**

Section 7 authorizes courts to determine the nature of imprisonment—whether hard (involving hard labor), light (without hard labor), or both—to be ordered when the law directs imprisonment of either kind. cite

*Illustration:* Take the case of a person who is convicted of an offence involving imprisonment either of a particular or of a more severe description. The court can sentence the person to six months’ hard imprisonment and six months’ ordinary imprisonment, depending on the fact situation of the case.

**Comparison with Previous Legislation**

These provisions are equivalent to Sections 57 and 60 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, respectively. While introducing these clauses, the BNS seeks to ensure uniformity and transparency in practices of sentencing. cite