Sentence of imprisonment in default of fine.
What this section does
Empowers a Magistrate to award imprisonment in default of payment of fine, subject to the sentencing limits in section 23. Where substantive imprisonment has also been awarded, the default imprisonment must not exceed one-fourth of the maximum term the Magistrate is competent to impose for the offence. Such default imprisonment may be in addition to the maximum substantive sentence the Magistrate can award.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Procedure at a glance
- Key actors
- Magistrate
- Time limit
- None specified
Derived from CrPC s.30.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNSS Section 24, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNSS Section 24 forms part of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita which replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 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.