Section 283 BNS: Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 283 BNS at a Glance

Section 283 BNS deals with exhibition of false light, mark or buoy. It is bailable and cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; it replaced Section 281 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years under Section 283 BNS.

Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ
IPC Equivalent

Section 281 →

Section 283 BNS Bare Act Text

283. Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy

Whoever exhibits any false light, mark or buoy, intending or knowing it to be likely that such exhibition will mislead any navigator, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees.

Source: Section 283, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 283 BNS in Simple Words

Section 283 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) punishes exhibiting any false light, mark, or buoy with the intention of misleading a navigator, or with the knowledge that such exhibition is likely to mislead any navigator. This provision protects maritime and inland water navigation from deceptive signals that could cause vessels to lose their course or run into danger.

To establish the offence, the prosecution must prove both the exhibition of a false light, mark, or buoy and the required mental element of intention or knowledge that it is likely to mislead a navigator. An actual collision or grounding does not need to occur for liability to arise.

Because misleading navigators poses a severe threat to human life and vessels, Section 283 BNS prescribes imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and a mandatory fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees.

Ingredients of Section 283 BNS

  • Displaying or setting up a false light, mark, or buoy on water or along a coastline
  • Acting with the intention or knowledge that such exhibition is likely to mislead any navigator

Punishment Under Section 283 BNS

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years under Section 283 BNS.

Fine

Fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees, mandatory along with imprisonment, under Section 283 BNS.

Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ

Section 283 BNS prescribes imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and a mandatory fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees.

Example of Section 283 BNS

Devraj operates an illicit salvage trade along a rocky stretch of coast near Mangaluru. On a stormy night, Devraj mounts a bright flashing lantern on an unmarked cliff where vessels routinely navigate toward harbour waters. Devraj knows that this light mimics an official harbor entrance beacon and is likely to deceive incoming sea vessels into steering toward submerged reefs. A coastal cargo ship navigating into the bay follows the false beacon and narrowly avoids striking the rocks after a crewman spots the breakers. Devraj exhibits a false light knowing it is likely to mislead a navigator. Devraj is liable under Section 283 BNS, even though the vessel did not run aground.

When Section 283 BNS Does Not Apply

  • The person did not exhibit any false light, mark, or buoy
  • The light, mark, or buoy exhibited was genuine and accurate
  • The person acted without intention or knowledge that the exhibition was likely to mislead any navigator

Section 283 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 283 BNS replaces Section 281 IPC from the old criminal code.

Section 281 IPC corresponds to Section 283 BNS. The definition of the offence and the maximum imprisonment of seven years remain identical. Under Section 283 BNS, fine is no longer an alternative penalty but is mandatory alongside imprisonment, and must not be less than ten thousand rupees.

View IPC Section 281 →

FAQs on Section 283 BNS

What does Section 283 of the BNS punish?▼

Section 283 BNS punishes exhibiting a false light, mark or buoy when the person intends, or knows it is likely, to mislead a navigator. In simple words, it covers putting up a misleading signal or marker that can wrongly guide a vessel or navigator.

What must be proved for an offence under Section 283 BNS?▼

It must be shown that the person exhibited a false light, mark or buoy. It must also be shown that the person intended to mislead a navigator, or knew that the act was likely to mislead a navigator.

Is Section 283 BNS bailable?▼

Yes. This is a bailable offence, which means bail can be claimed as a matter of right. The accused is normally released on furnishing bail, subject to the usual conditions the court or police may impose.

What is the punishment under Section 283 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and a mandatory fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees.

Under Section 283 BNS, what should I do if someone has put up a false light or marker that may mislead navigators?▼

You should report the matter to the police at once and give clear details of the light, mark or buoy and where it was placed. Keep any photos, videos, location details, or names of witnesses, because those facts can help show that the signal was false and likely to mislead a navigator.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·