Unit I – General Principles of Criminal Law

1. Define crime. What are the essential elements of a crime under the BNS?

2. Explain the stages of crime with examples.

3. Discuss mens rea and actus reus with relevant case laws.

4. What is the distinction between intention, knowledge, negligence, and motive?

5. Explain the principle: “Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea”.

Unit II – General Exceptions (Chapter IV of BNS)

6. Discuss the concept of general exceptions under BNS.

7. Explain self-defense as a justification of crime.

8. Write a note on insanity as a defense (based on McNaghten rules).

9. Distinguish between mistake of fact and mistake of law.

10. Discuss the criminal liability of a child under BNS.

Unit III – Parties to Crime & Abetment

11. Define abetment. How is it different from conspiracy?

12. Who are principal and accessory offenders under BNS?

13. Discuss criminal conspiracy and its essentials.

14. What are the punishments for abetment under BNS?

Unit IV – Specific Offences

15. Define murder under BNS. How is it different from culpable homicide?

16. Discuss the ingredients and punishment of rape under BNS.

17. What is grievous hurt and how is it punished?

18. Explain the offence of theft, robbery, and dacoity with differences.

19. What constitutes criminal breach of trust?

20. Discuss offences relating to documents and property marks.

Unit V – Attempt and Punishments

21. Define attempt to commit an offence. When does preparation become attempt?

22. What are the different kinds of punishment under BNS?

23. Write a note on life imprisonment vs imprisonment for a term.

24. Discuss the rules relating to joint liability (e.g., Section 34, 149 IPC—check if these sections
are retained or replaced in BNS).
🧾 Important Long-Answer Questions for BNS (LLB 2nd Semester)
🔹 Unit I – General Principles of Criminal Law

1. Discuss the essential elements of crime under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. Explain with
illustrations.

2. Explain the concept of mens rea. How does it influence criminal liability under BNS?

3. Examine the stages of a crime. When does preparation become punishable under the BNS?

4. Write a detailed note on the distinction between culpable homicide and murder. Support
your answer with relevant case law.

5. “Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea.” Discuss the relevance of this maxim in Indian
criminal jurisprudence.

🔹 Unit II – General Exceptions (Defences)

6. What are general exceptions under the BNS? Discuss in detail the grounds under which a
person can be exempted from criminal liability.

7. Explain the law relating to private defence of body and property under the BNS.

8. Discuss the legal provisions regarding insanity as a defence to criminal liability. Refer to the
McNaghten rules and Indian case laws.

9. Differentiate between mistake of fact and mistake of law. How are they treated under the
BNS?

10. Discuss the provisions related to intoxication as a defence under criminal law.

🔹 Unit III – Joint and Constructive Liability

11. Who is liable when a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of a common
intention? Explain with reference to relevant provisions.

12. Discuss the concept of abetment under the BNS. How is it different from criminal
conspiracy?

13. Explain criminal conspiracy in detail. What are its essential elements? How is it punished
under BNS?

14. Discuss vicarious liability in criminal law. Under what circumstances can one person be
held liable for the act of another?

🔹 Unit IV – Specific Offences

15. Define and distinguish between theft, robbery, and dacoity under the BNS.
 16. Explain the offence of rape under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. What are the recent changes
in the definition and punishment?

17. What constitutes grievous hurt under BNS? Distinguish it from simple hurt with
illustrations.

18. Write a detailed note on criminal breach of trust and cheating. Compare both with relevant
case laws.

19. Discuss offences against women under the BNS. How does the new law improve protection
for women?

🔹 Unit V – Attempt and Punishments

20. Define attempt under criminal law. At what stage does preparation become punishable?
Explain with illustrations.

21. Explain the various kinds of punishments under BNS. How are they awarded in proportion
to offences?

22. What is life imprisonment? How is it different from imprisonment for a term? Discuss with
legal interpretation.

23. Write a detailed note on the principle of joint liability. Compare Sections 34 and 149 (if
retained or revised in BNS).