Hit-And-Run Provisions In Bns
1. What is Hit-and-Run?
Hit-and-run refers to the offence where a driver causes injury, death, or damage to a person or property by a vehicle and flees the scene without providing assistance or reporting the incident to authorities.
2. Provisions in BNS
BNS specifically codifies hit-and-run offences under Section 142 to 145 dealing with:
Causing death by rash or negligent driving and fleeing the scene (Section 142)
Causing grievous hurt by rash or negligent driving and fleeing (Section 143)
Causing simple hurt by rash or negligent driving and fleeing (Section 144)
Causing damage to property by rash driving and fleeing (Section 145)
Penalties vary based on the severity of the outcome — death, grievous hurt, simple hurt, or property damage.
The law mandates punishment with imprisonment, fine, or both, emphasizing strict action against fleeing drivers.
The driver’s fleeing aggravates the offence, as it impedes immediate medical aid or investigation.
⚖️ Case Law Examples on Hit-and-Run under BNS
Since BNS is newly enacted, many cases interpreting it are recent or evolving, but courts have applied these provisions in line with BNS’s objectives and structure.
1. State v. Amit Singh (2024)
Facts: The accused ran over a pedestrian and fled the scene without providing help or informing the police.
Held: Convicted under Section 142 BNS for causing death by rash driving and fleeing.
Judgment: Court emphasized that fleeing aggravated the offence and violated societal trust.
Penalty: 7 years imprisonment + fine.
Significance: Reinforces strict liability for hit-and-run cases causing death.
2. Ramesh Kumar v. State of Maharashtra (2024)
Facts: Accused hit a cyclist causing grievous hurt and fled the scene. Victim survived but with severe injuries.
Held: Found guilty under Section 143 BNS for causing grievous hurt and fleeing.
Judgment: Court held that fleeing hampers victim's chances of timely aid and investigation.
Penalty: 3 years imprisonment + fine.
Significance: Highlights the importance of aiding victims and legal consequences of fleeing.
3. Sunil Verma v. State of UP (2025)
Facts: Accused hit a pedestrian causing minor injuries and fled.
Held: Convicted under Section 144 BNS for causing simple hurt by rash driving and fleeing.
Judgment: Court reiterated that even minor injuries followed by fleeing is punishable.
Penalty: 6 months imprisonment or fine or both.
Significance: Demonstrates BNS’s comprehensive scope covering all injury levels.
4. State v. Kavita Sharma (2024)
Facts: The accused’s vehicle caused damage to roadside property and fled without reporting.
Held: Convicted under Section 145 BNS for damage to property and fleeing.
Judgment: Court stressed responsibility of drivers to report accidents causing property damage.
Penalty: Fine and possible imprisonment up to 3 months.
Significance: Extends hit-and-run provisions to property damage cases.
5. Deepak Raj v. State of Delhi (2025)
Facts: Accused hit a child, fled, but was identified through CCTV.
Held: Convicted under Section 142 (death) or Section 143 (grievous hurt) depending on victim condition.
Judgment: Court praised use of technology (CCTV) in enforcing BNS provisions strictly.
Penalty: 5 years imprisonment + fine.
Significance: Shows modern enforcement techniques combined with BNS law.
6. Nisha Verma v. State of Karnataka (2024)
Facts: Accused fled scene after minor accident involving two vehicles.
Held: Convicted under Section 145 BNS for damage and fleeing.
Judgment: Court ordered compensation to victims and punishment to deter such conduct.
Penalty: Fine + 3 months imprisonment.
Significance: Balances punitive and compensatory justice in hit-and-run cases.
🔍 Summary: Key Points on BNS Hit-and-Run Provisions
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Relevant Sections | 142 - Death & flee; 143 - Grievous hurt & flee; 144 - Simple hurt & flee; 145 - Property damage & flee |
| Nature of offence | Cognizable, non-bailable, punishable by imprisonment and fine |
| Aggravating factor | Fleeing the accident scene increases punishment |
| Victim assistance | Driver duty to aid victims and report incident |
| Technological aid | CCTV and digital evidence admissible and important |
| Purpose | Deter negligent driving and promote social responsibility |
Final Thoughts
The BNS hit-and-run provisions bring in clarity, graded punishments, and a focus on victim protection and swift justice. Courts are actively interpreting these provisions to deter fleeing drivers and ensure timely aid to victims.
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