Judgment under BNSS, 2023: Contents, Special Reasons and Modes of Delivery

An explanatory article, written from a procedural perspective, which examines the provisions relating to judgment under Chapter XXIX of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, particularly Sections 392 to 404, which regulate the manner in which criminal courts deliver, structure, justify, and communicate judgments after conclusion of trial. A criminal judgment is not merely the final announcement of conviction or acquittal. It reflects the reasoning process of the court, appreciation of evidence, application of law, and exercise of judicial discretion in matters directly affecting personal liberty and punishment. The discussion also connects these provisions with concerns such as delay in pronouncement, arbitrary sentencing, transparency in judicial reasoning, appellate review, and protection of accused and victim rights.