Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
BNS Section 72
Disclosure of identity of victim of certain offences, etc
In one line
BNS Section 72 deals with disclosure of identity of victim of certain offences, etc and replaces IPC 228A(1)/(2).
Punishment, bail and court
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72(1) | Disclosure of identity of the victim of certain offences, etc. | Imprisonment for 2 years and fine. | Cognizable. | Bailable. | Any Magistrate. |
Source: First Schedule to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The punishment column is the Schedule’s summary; the section text below is what prescribes the punishment. Classification decides procedure (arrest, bail as of right, which court), not the result of any particular case.
Bare act text — BNS 72
72. Disclosure of identity of victim of certain offences, etc.
(1) Whoever prints or publishes the name or any matter which may make known the identity of any person against whom an offence under section 64 or section 65 or section 66 or section 67 or section 68 or section 69 or section 70 or section 71 is alleged or found to have been committed (hereafter in this section referred to as the victim) shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) extends to any printing or publication of the name or any matter which may make known the identity of the victim if such printing or publication is— (a) by or under the order in writing of the officer-in-charge of the police station or the police officer making the investigation into such offence acting in good faith for the purposes of such investigation; or (b) by, or with the authorisation in writing of, the victim; or (c) where the victim is dead or a child or of unsound mind, by, or with the authorisation in writing of, the next of kin of the victim: Provided that no such authorisation shall be given by the next of kin to anybody other than the chairman or the secretary, by whatever name called, of any recognised welfare institution or organisation. Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “recognised welfare institution or organisation” means a social welfare institution or organisation recognised in this behalf by the Central Government or the State Government.
What changed from the IPC
- IPC 228A(1)/(2) → BNS 72: Word "minor' is replaced by 'child'.
Frequently asked
What was BNS Section 72 in the IPC?
BNS Section 72 (Disclosure of identity of victim of certain offences, etc) replaces Section 228A(1)/(2) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. IPC 228A(1)/(2) is now BNS 72.
What is the punishment under BNS 72(1)?
Disclosure of identity of the victim of certain offences, etc – punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to fine. Under the First Schedule to the BNSS, 2023 it is cognizable and bailable, triable by any Magistrate.
Is BNS 72 bailable?
Bailable: BNS 72(1). Bail in a non-bailable offence is at the court's discretion; the classification decides procedure, not the outcome of a particular bail application.
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Nearby BNS sections
- BNS 67 — Sexual intercourse by husband upon his wife during separation
- BNS 68 — Sexual intercourse by a person in authority
- BNS 69 — Sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means, etc
- BNS 70 — Gang rape
- BNS 71 — Punishment for repeat offenders
- BNS 73 — Printing or publishing any matter relating to Court proceedings without permission
- BNS 74 — Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty
- BNS 75 — Sexual harassment
- BNS 76 — Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe
- BNS 77 — Voyeurism