Section 73 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Section 73 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 addresses the unauthorized printing or publishing of matters related to court proceedings concerning specific offences. This provision aims to protect the privacy and integrity of sensitive legal processes, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals.
📜 Text of Section 73
Section 73: Printing or publishing any matter relating to Court proceedings without permission
Whoever prints or publishes any matter in relation to any proceeding before a Court with respect to an offence referred to in section 72 without the previous permission of such Court shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation: The printing or publication of the judgment of any High Court or the Supreme Court does not amount to an offence within the meaning of this section.
🔍 Key Highlights
Scope of Offence: The section specifically targets the unauthorized publication of matters related to court proceedings concerning offences listed in Section 72, which include serious crimes like sexual assault, trafficking, and other offences against women and children
Punishment: Violators may face imprisonment for up to two years and/or a fine.
Judgment Publication Exception: Publishing judgments from the Supreme Court or High Courts is exempted from this restriction, promoting transparency in the judicial process.
🛡️ Purpose and Implications
This provision seeks to balance the need for media freedom with the protection of individuals involved in sensitive legal proceedings. By requiring prior court permission for publication, it aims to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of information that could jeopardize the fairness of trials or the privacy of victims.
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