Practice paper — BNSS Chapter XIV — Jurisdiction Of The Criminal Courts In Inquiries And Trials

1.According to Section 197 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, where shall every offence ordinarily be inquired into and tried?

• (A) By a Court within whose local jurisdiction it was committed
• (B) By a Court where the accused resides
• (C) By the High Court of the State
• (D) By any Court chosen by the investigating officer

2.In the phrase "shall ordinarily be inquired into and tried" from Section 197, the word "ordinarily" most nearly means:

• (A) Always, without exception
• (B) As a general rule
• (C) Only if the parties agree
• (D) Only for offences of a certain category

3.Which of the following statements is directly supported by the text of Section 197?

• (A) The trial must always be held only in the court where the accused is found
• (B) Every offence shall ordinarily be inquired into and tried by a Court within whose local jurisdiction it was committed
• (C) The prosecution may choose any court for inquiry and trial irrespective of where the offence occurred
• (D) Trials shall be conducted only by higher courts and not local courts

4.Which option best describes the legal effect of the wording "shall ordinarily be inquired into and tried by" in Section 197?

• (A) It creates a presumption favouring trial in the court of local jurisdiction but does not present the wording as an absolute bar to other arrangements
• (B) It absolutely forbids inquiry or trial anywhere other than the local court under any circumstances
• (C) It means the prosecution may freely select any court irrespective of where the offence occurred
• (D) It requires cases to be tried only by central or federal courts

5.If an offence was committed partly in one local area and partly in another, which of the following is permitted under Section 198?

• (A) Trial only where the accused was first seen
• (B) Trial only where the greater part of the offence occurred
• (C) Trial by a Court having jurisdiction over any of those local areas
• (D) Trial only in the area where the victim resides

6.Section 198 deals with continuing offences. If an offence is a continuing one and continues to be committed in more local areas than one, which court may inquire into or try it?

• (A) Only the first Court where the offence began
• (B) A Court having jurisdiction over any of the local areas where it continues to be committed
• (C) Only the Court where the accused currently resides
• (D) A national-level Court exclusively

7.When an offence consists of several acts done in different local areas, Section 198 permits inquiry or trial by:

• (A) All the Courts of those areas simultaneously
• (B) Only the Court where the final act occurred
• (C) Only the Court where the accused was arrested
• (D) A Court having jurisdiction over any of such local areas

8.Does Section 198 allow a single Court that has jurisdiction over only one of the local areas where parts of an offence occurred to try the entire offence?

• (A) Yes — it may be tried by a Court having jurisdiction over any of such local areas
• (B) No — all local Courts must jointly conduct the trial
• (C) No — trial must occur only where most acts took place
• (D) Only if the accused consents to trial there

9.Under Section 199, an offence may be inquired into or tried by a Court within whose local jurisdiction where which of the following occurred?

• (A) Such thing has been done
• (B) Such consequence has ensued
• (C) Such thing has been done or such consequence has ensued
• (D) Neither the act nor the consequence occurred

10.If the physical act occurred in Jurisdiction A and the consequential effect occurred in Jurisdiction B, where may the offence be tried under Section 199?

• (A) Only in Jurisdiction A where the physical act occurred
• (B) Either in Jurisdiction A (where the act was done) or in Jurisdiction B (where the consequence ensued)
• (C) Only in Jurisdiction B where the consequence ensued
• (D) In any jurisdiction in the country

11.If both the thing done and the consequence have occurred within the same local jurisdiction, according to Section 199 the offence may be tried:

• (A) Only by a Court located in a different jurisdiction
• (B) By any Court in the country irrespective of local jurisdiction
• (C) Only by the Court where the accused resides
• (D) By a Court within that same local jurisdiction where both occurred

12.Under Section 200, when does the provision become applicable to an act?

• (A) When the act is an offence solely by itself, without relation to any other act.
• (B) When the act is an offence by reason of its relation to any other act which is also an offence or would be an offence if the doer were capable of committing an offence.
• (C) When the act is committed outside the local jurisdiction of the accused.
• (D) When the act is a minor or summary offence only.

13.Which court may inquire into or try the first-mentioned offence under this provision?

• (A) A Court within whose local jurisdiction either act was done.
• (B) Only a Court where both acts were done together.
• (C) Only the Court of the accused's domicile.
• (D) Any Court in the State where prosecution is initiated.

14.If the related acts occurred in different local jurisdictions, where may the first-mentioned offence be tried under Section 200?

• (A) Only in a Court where both acts were done together.
• (B) Only in the Court where the first-mentioned act was done.
• (C) By a Court within whose local jurisdiction either act was done.
• (D) Only in a national or central court designated for inter-jurisdictional offences.

15.Does Section 200 permit inquiry or trial of the first-mentioned offence when the other related act "would be an offence if the doer were capable of committing an offence"?

• (A) No, it does not permit inquiry or trial in that situation.
• (B) Only if both acts were actually committed and proved.
• (C) Only where the other act was actually an offence in law.
• (D) Yes, the first-mentioned offence may be inquired into or tried by a Court within whose local jurisdiction either act was done.

16.Which of the following offences, as listed in Section 201(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, may be inquired into or tried by a Court within whose local jurisdiction the offence was committed or the accused person is found?

• (A) Dacoity; dacoity with murder; belonging to a gang of dacoits; escaping from custody
• (B) Only dacoity and dacoity with murder
• (C) Kidnapping and abduction
• (D) Theft, extortion and robbery

17.Which clause of Section 201 deals with the place of trial for offences of kidnapping or abduction?

• (A) Clause (1)
• (B) Clause (3)
• (C) Clause (4)
• (D) Clause (2)

18.Under Section 201(3), if goods stolen in District A are later possessed in District B by a person who received them knowing them to be stolen, may the offence of theft or robbery be tried in District B?

• (A) Yes, the trial may be in District B
• (B) No, only District A where the original theft occurred can try the case
• (C) Only if the accused is also found in District B
• (D) Only if the victim files a complaint in District B

19.Which clause governs the place of trial when an offence (other than theft, extortion or robbery) includes the possession of stolen property?

• (A) Clause (3) — because it deals with stolen property possession
• (B) Clause (5) — it covers any offence which includes possession of stolen property
• (C) Clause (4) — since property-related offences are covered there
• (D) Clause (1) — as it covers serious offences including possession

20.Under Section 202(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, if deception is practised by means of electronic communications, which courts may inquire into or try the offence?

• (A) Any Court within whose local jurisdiction such electronic communications or letters or messages were sent or were received
• (B) Only the Court where the accused permanently resides
• (C) Only the Court where the property in question is located
• (D) Only a Court designated by central authority

21.According to Section 202(1), where may an offence of cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property be inquired into or tried?

• (A) Only by a Court where the electronic communication was sent
• (B) By a Court within whose local jurisdiction the property was delivered by the person deceived or was received by the accused person
• (C) Only by a Court where the accused last resided
• (D) Only by a Court where the property was manufactured

22.If a deceptive message is sent from City A and received in City B, where, under Section 202(1), can the cheating offence be tried?

• (A) Only in City A
• (B) Only in the Court where the accused last resided
• (C) Either in City A or City B (where the message was sent or received)
• (D) Only in the Court where the property related to the offence is located

23.When an offence includes cheating practised by electronic communications and also involves dishonestly inducing delivery of property, which jurisdictional bases does Section 202(1) make available?

• (A) Courts where the electronic communications or messages were sent or received, and courts where the property was delivered by the person deceived or received by the accused (both grounds are available)
• (B) Only courts where the electronic communications were sent or received
• (C) Only courts where the property was delivered or received by the accused
• (D) Only courts where the offender last resided

24.What primary legal subject does Section 203 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 address?

• (A) It prescribes the punishment for offences committed during a journey or voyage.
• (B) It allows inquiry or trial by a Court through whose local jurisdiction the person or thing passed during a journey or voyage.
• (C) It defines what constitutes a "journey" or "voyage" for legal purposes.
• (D) It provides procedures for extradition of offenders across jurisdictions.

25.According to Section 203, which of the following may be the subject of inquiry or trial when an offence is committed during a journey or voyage?

• (A) Only the person who committed the offence.
• (B) Only the person against whom the offence was committed.
• (C) The person by or against whom, or the thing in respect of which, the offence is committed.
• (D) Only the thing in respect of which the offence was committed.

26.If the person or thing involved in the offence remained entirely within the local limits of a single court during the journey, which court does Section 203 permit to inquire into or try the offence?

• (A) Only a higher court specially appointed by the State.
• (B) Any court in the country where the accused resides.
• (C) The court where the offence was eventually investigated, regardless of the journey.
• (D) The court through whose local jurisdiction the person or thing passed (i.e., that single court).

27.Does Section 203 permit a court whose local limits do not include the place where the offence actually occurred to inquire into or try the offence if the person or thing passed through that court's jurisdiction during the journey?

• (A) No — the offence must be tried only where it was actually committed.
• (B) Yes — the offence may be inquired into or tried by any Court through whose local jurisdiction that person or thing passed during the journey.
• (C) Only if the accused gives written consent to trial in that court.
• (D) Only if the person or thing remained in that jurisdiction for more than 24 hours.

28.According to Section 204, if offences committed by a person are such that he may be charged with and tried at one trial by virtue of sections 242, 243 or 244, where may the offences be inquired into or tried?

• (A) Only in the court where all the offences originated
• (B) By any Court competent to inquire into or try any of the offences
• (C) Only by the highest court competent to try the most serious offence
• (D) Only by a special tribunal constituted for the purpose

29.Under Section 204, when offences committed by several persons are such that they may be charged with and tried together by virtue of section 246, which court(s) may inquire into or try the offences?

• (A) Any Court competent to inquire into or try any of the offences
• (B) Only the court with jurisdiction over the first accused
• (C) Only a court specially designated under section 246
• (D) Only the court where the majority of offences occurred

30.Section 204 applies to offences triable together by virtue of which provision(s)?

• (A) Sections 242, 243 and 244 only
• (B) Section 246 only
• (C) Any section of the Code allowing joinder
• (D) Both sections 242–244 and section 246

31.Which of the following is a correct implication of Section 204?

• (A) A Court competent to try any one of the offences may inquire into or try all the offences together
• (B) A Court must have jurisdiction over every offence to try them together
• (C) Trial must be held only where the offences were committed
• (D) Offences committed by several persons cannot be tried together under Section 204

32.Who is empowered by Section 205 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 to direct that any case committed for trial in any district may be tried in any sessions division?

• (A) The State Government
• (B) The High Court
• (C) The Sessions Judge
• (D) The Supreme Court

33.Which of the following actions is expressly permitted by Section 205?

• (A) Abolishing a sessions division
• (B) Directing that cases committed for trial in any district may be tried in any sessions division
• (C) Transferring judicial control from the High Court to the State Government
• (D) Directing that appeals be heard only by the Supreme Court

34.Does the proviso to Section 205 restrict State Government directions that conflict with orders of subordinate courts not issued by the High Court or Supreme Court?

• (A) No, the proviso bans conflict with any court order at any level
• (B) No, the proviso only mentions directions previously issued by the High Court or the Supreme Court
• (C) Yes, it explicitly includes subordinate court orders
• (D) Yes, but only if the subordinate court order was recorded in higher proceedings

35.How should the relationship between the opening 'Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding provisions of this Chapter' and the proviso be understood under Section 205?

• (A) The notwithstanding clause lets the State Government override any earlier provisions and any prior High Court or Supreme Court directions
• (B) The notwithstanding clause is meaningless because the proviso is the only operative part
• (C) The notwithstanding clause applies only to provisions in the Chapter and has no bearing on earlier court directions
• (D) The notwithstanding clause permits displacing preceding Chapter provisions, but the State Government's direction still must not be repugnant to prior High Court or Supreme Court directions as stated in the proviso

36.What does Section 206 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 primarily empower a High Court to decide?

• (A) To transfer an ongoing trial from one High Court to another High Court.
• (B) Which of two or more Courts that have taken cognizance of the same offence ought to inquire into or try that offence.
• (C) To entertain appeals against acquittal or conviction in such cases.
• (D) To appoint a special court to try the offence in question.

37.Two Courts that have taken cognizance of the same offence are not subordinate to the same High Court. According to Section 206, which High Court should decide the question of which Court ought to inquire into or try the offence?

• (A) The High Court of the state where the accused resides.
• (B) The Supreme Court of India as the ultimate appellate forum.
• (C) The High Court within the local limits of whose appellate criminal jurisdiction the proceedings were first commenced.
• (D) The High Court in whose territory the offence was alleged to have been committed.

38.Once the appropriate High Court decides which Court should inquire into or try the offence under Section 206( b ), what is to happen to the other proceedings in respect of that offence?

• (A) They must be stayed pending final appellate decision.
• (B) They shall be transferred to the deciding High Court.
• (C) They may continue unless the deciding High Court orders otherwise.
• (D) They shall be discontinued.

39.Which of the following correctly summarizes the rule laid down by Section 206 when multiple Courts have taken cognizance of the same offence?

• (A) The Supreme Court will decide in every case which Court should inquire into or try the offence.
• (B) If the Courts are subordinate to the same High Court, that High Court decides; if not, the High Court within whose appellate criminal jurisdiction the proceedings were first commenced decides, and all other proceedings shall be discontinued.
• (C) The High Court where the accused resides decides the matter irrespective of where proceedings were first commenced.
• (D) The first trial Court that took cognizance retains jurisdiction and all other Courts must defer.

40.Who is empowered under Section 207 to inquire into an offence committed outside his local jurisdiction?

• (A) A Magistrate of the first class
• (B) A Magistrate of the second class
• (C) The High Court
• (D) A Sessions Judge

41.Under Section 207, when may the Magistrate take a bond or bail bond for appearance instead of sending the person to the Magistrate having jurisdiction?

• (A) Only if the offence is punishable with death
• (B) Only if the offence is punishable with imprisonment for life
• (C) If the offence is not punishable with death or imprisonment for life and the person is ready and willing to give bail to the Magistrate's satisfaction
• (D) If the offence is triable only outside India

42.If more than one Magistrate has jurisdiction and the acting Magistrate cannot satisfy himself as to which Magistrate the person should be sent or bound to appear before, what does Section 207(2) require?

• (A) The acting Magistrate must send the person to the senior-most Magistrate
• (B) The acting Magistrate must itself decide and retain the case
• (C) The acting Magistrate must transfer the case to the Sessions Judge for directions
• (D) The case shall be reported for the orders of the High Court

43.Which combination of conditions must exist for a first class Magistrate to exercise the power under Section 207(1)?

• (A) The offence was committed outside India and is punishable with death
• (B) The offence can be inquired into within the Magistrate's local jurisdiction under sections 197–205
• (C) The offence cannot, under sections 197–205 or any other law, be inquired into or tried within the Magistrate's local jurisdiction, but is triable in India under any law
• (D) The offence is triable only in a foreign court and not triable in India

44.Where may an offence committed outside India be treated as if it were committed in India under Section 208?

• (A) Only at the place where the offender was at the time of the offence.
• (B) Only at the place where the ship or aircraft is registered.
• (C) At any place within India where the offender may be found or where the offence is registered in India.
• (D) Only in the National Capital Territory of India.

45.A non-Indian commits an offence outside India on an aircraft registered in India. Under Section 208, India may deal with that person as if the offence were committed:

• (A) Only at the place in India where the aircraft was registered.
• (B) At any place within India where he may be found or where the offence is registered in India.
• (C) Only in the territorial jurisdiction where the aircraft first landed in India.
• (D) Only if the offence is also an offence under the law of the state where it occurred.

46.An Indian citizen commits an offence on the high seas. Under Section 208, can India inquire into or try that offence in India immediately?

• (A) Yes, and no further permission is required.
• (B) Yes, but only if the offender is handed over by the foreign State.
• (C) No, such offences are not covered by Section 208.
• (D) Only with the previous sanction of the Central Government.

47.Which of the following best states the legal effect of the proviso to Section 208?

• (A) It allows State Governments to grant permission to try offences committed outside India.
• (B) It makes previous sanction of the Central Government necessary before any inquiry or trial in India, irrespective of the preceding sections of the Chapter.
• (C) It permits inquiry or trial in India without any sanction if the offender is found in India.
• (D) It restricts application of Section 208 only to offences registered outside India.

48.Which forms of depositions or exhibits does Section 209 expressly allow to be received as evidence?

• (A) Only physical form
• (B) Only electronic form
• (C) Either physical form or electronic form
• (D) Neither physical nor electronic form

49.When may the Central Government give the direction described in Section 209?

• (A) Whenever an offence is alleged to have been committed outside India, regardless of whether proceedings are under section 208.
• (B) Only when the offence alleged to have been committed in a territory outside India is being inquired into or tried under the provisions of section 208.
• (C) Only after the Court has issued a commission for taking evidence.
• (D) Only when the accused is present in India.

50.Before whom must the original depositions or exhibits have been produced for their copies to be receivable under Section 209?

• (A) Only before a judicial officer in that territory.
• (B) Before any foreign police officer or administrative authority.
• (C) Only before an Indian diplomatic representative (excluding consular representatives).
• (D) Before a judicial officer in or for that territory or before a diplomatic or consular representative of India in or for that territory.