BNS Section 104
What if someone serving a life sentence commits murder?
Short answer
They can be sentenced to death or to life imprisonment for the rest of their natural life.
In detail
If a person is already serving a life sentence and then commits murder, the law allows the court to impose either the death penalty or a new life sentence that lasts until the offender’s natural death. The punishment is not automatic; the judge chooses between death or life imprisonment. The rule applies only when the offender is already under a life sentence. It is a specific provision in the criminal code that deals with this situation. The law does not mention other types of punishment or any special circumstances beyond the fact that the offender is already serving life. The provision is found in Section 104 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Related questions
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Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Can a husband be forced to financially support his wife, children, or parents if he refuses?
Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
If I accidentally hurt a consenting adult during a game, can I be criminally liable?
No, you are not criminally liable if the act was not intended to cause death or serious injury and the adult gave consent.
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Yes, the law permits you to use private defence even if it risks harming an innocent person during a deadly assault.
People also ask
- Is the death penalty mandatory for murder by a life-convict?
- Does this rule apply to all types of murder or only specific ones?
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.