Section 6 BNS: Fractions of Terms of Punishment

Meaning of Section 6 BNS

Section 6 is a calculation rule. Where another provision requires a fraction of a term of punishment to be worked out, life imprisonment is treated as equivalent to twenty years for that calculation, unless the relevant provision itself provides a different rule.

The words "unless otherwise provided" are important. They preserve any specific statutory provision that expressly assigns a different meaning or consequence.

Why life imprisonment is reckoned as twenty years

A life sentence does not naturally have a fixed numerical term from which a fraction can always be calculated. Section 6 supplies a statutory reference figure of twenty years for the limited purpose of calculating fractions of terms of punishment under the BNS.

Does Section 6 mean life imprisonment is only twenty years?

No. The wording of Section 6 is expressly confined to "calculating fractions of terms of punishment". It does not state that every sentence of imprisonment for life automatically expires after twenty years.

Questions concerning the actual duration, remission, suspension or commutation of a life sentence are governed by the applicable sentencing and procedural provisions and cannot be determined merely from the twenty-year calculation rule in Section 6.

Full text of Section 6 - Fractions of terms of punishment