Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy
What this section does
Targets the deliberate or knowing exhibition of a false light, mark, or buoy intended or known to be likely to mislead a navigator. The offence carries a mandatory minimum fine and a substantial imprisonment term, reflecting the serious risk to maritime safety.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description up to 7 years, and fine of not less than ₹10,000 (mandatory minimum fine).
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused exhibited a false light, mark, or buoy
- The accused intended, or knew it to be likely, that the exhibition would mislead a navigator
Practitioner note
Fine is mandatory and has a statutory minimum of ₹10,000; imprisonment is also mandatory (both punishments are conjunctive — 'and with fine').
Derived from IPC s.281.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 283, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 283 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.