Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Section 466
Sentence on escaped convict when to take effect
(1) When a sentence of death, imprisonment for life or fine is passed under this Sanhita on an escaped convict, such sentence shall, subject to the provisions hereinbefore contained, take effect immediately.
(2) When a sentence of imprisonment for a term is passed under this Sanhita on an escaped convict, —
(a) if such sentence is severer in kind than the sentence which such convict was undergoing when he escaped, the new sentence shall take effect immediately;
(b) if such sentence is not severer in kind than the sentence which such convict was undergoing when he escaped, the new sentence shall take effect after he has suffered imprisonment for a further period equal to that which, at the time of his escape, remained unexpired of his former sentence.
(3) For the purposes of sub-section (2), a sentence of rigorous imprisonment shall be deemed to be severer in kind than a sentence of simple imprisonment.
Why this exists
Escaping custody should not let a convict dodge completing their original punishment. This section makes clear how a fresh sentence stacks against the unfinished part of an earlier one, closing a potential loophole for people who escape and are later re-sentenced.