Section 6 BNS: Fractions of terms of punishment
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 6 BNS at a Glance
Section 6 BNS deals with fractions of terms of punishment. It replaced Section 57 IPC on 1 July 2024.
None. Section 6 BNS creates no offence.
Section 6 BNS Bare Act Text
6. Fractions of terms of punishment
In calculating fractions of terms of punishment, imprisonment for life shall be reckoned as equivalent to imprisonment for twenty years unless otherwise provided.
Source: Section 6, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 6 BNS in Simple Words
Section 6 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) does not create a crime. It is a rule for calculating fractions of terms of punishment when a court has to work out a sentence. In simple terms, whenever a provision requires a fraction of a term of punishment to be calculated, imprisonment for life is counted as equivalent to imprisonment for twenty years unless otherwise provided.
This provision applies to judges, prosecutors, and defence lawyers whenever a fraction of a life sentence has to be calculated, such as for an attempt or imprisonment in default of fine. Its practical value is in giving a fixed figure of twenty years for working out half, one-fourth, or other fractions of a punishment term. Since it is not an offence provision, there is no accused person under this section by itself.
It only supports the working of sentencing law.
Ingredients of Section 6 BNS
- A fraction of a term of punishment is being calculated
- The punishment in question is imprisonment for life
- Imprisonment for life is reckoned as equivalent to imprisonment for twenty years unless otherwise provided
Punishment Under Section 6 BNS
None. Section 6 BNS creates no offence.
None.
Section 6 BNS is a rule of calculation. It has no entry in the First Schedule to the BNSS.
Example of Section 6 BNS
When Section 6 BNS Does Not Apply
- A punishment that is already a fixed term of years, which needs no conversion
- A sentence itself, since the section fixes only the figure used when a fraction is calculated
Section 6 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)
Section 6 BNS replaces Section 57 IPC from the old criminal code.
Section 6 BNS keeps the rule and adds the words unless otherwise provided at the end. The figure of twenty years is therefore the default, and it gives way where another provision says otherwise.
View IPC Section 57 →FAQs on Section 6 BNS
Is Section 6 BNS a criminal offence?▼
No. It does not define any offence or punishment. It is only a rule for calculating fractions of terms of punishment.
Why do lawyers still refer to Section 6 BNS?▼
They refer to it when a sentence requires calculating a fraction of imprisonment for life, which Section 6 BNS reckons as equivalent to twenty years unless otherwise provided.
Does Section 6 BNS apply in court cases today?▼
Yes. Section 6 BNS is the rule in force under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 for calculating fractions of terms of punishment, reckoning imprisonment for life as twenty years unless another provision states otherwise.
Can someone be arrested under Section 6 BNS?▼
No. Since it is not an offence section, there is no arrest, FIR, or bail issue under this provision by itself. It only assists in sentencing calculations.
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Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·