Question

According to the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, an accused person intending to apply for 'Plea Bargaining' must do so within how many days following the formal framing of charges?

• A. 7 days
• B. 15 days
• C. 30 days
• D. 60 days

Hint:

For modern criminal procedure laws such as the BNSS, remember that plea bargaining is intended to occur at the very beginning of the trial process. Associate it with the number 15 days after framing of charges.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Read the question.
Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, an accused who wants to apply for plea bargaining must do so within a fixed number of days after charges are framed. We must find that number.

Step 2: Understand plea bargaining.
Plea bargaining is a process where the accused agrees to plead guilty in return for a benefit, such as a lighter sentence. It helps settle cases faster and reduces the load on courts.

Step 3: Know why a time limit exists.
The law wants this choice to be made early, soon after the accused learns the exact charges against him. An early decision keeps the trial moving and stops the option from being misused to cause delay.

Step 4: Find the prescribed period.
The BNSS requires the accused to file the plea bargaining application within 15 days from the date the charges are formally framed by the court.

Step 5: Check the wrong options.
Option (A), 7 days, is shorter than the period given by the BNSS. Option (C), 30 days, is longer than allowed. Option (D), 60 days, is not contemplated by the plea bargaining provisions.

Step 6: Conclude.
So the correct period is 15 days from the framing of charges.
\[ \boxed{\text{15 days}} \]