Srinagar, June 10 In a unique judgment under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Shopian on Tuesday awarded community service as punishment to two individuals for theft, registered under FIR No. 69/2024 U/S 303(2) BNS of Police Station Zainapora.
The case pertains to an incident dated July 31, 2024, within the jurisdiction of P/S Zainapora, where two persons were apprehended for stealing property worth ₹5,000 from a victim.
Upon completion of all legal formalities, the accused were produced before the court, which found them guilty under Section 303(2) of BNS. As part of the reformative judgment, the court directed the duo to perform community service by cleaning at District Hospital Shopian for two days and two nights.
The court stated that this punishment serves not only as a deterrent but also as a means of instilling civic responsibility among offenders. The judgment marks a progressive step towards ensuring accountability and social responsibility through reformative justice in cases of petty offences.
Shopian Police welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing that such measures contribute to the maintenance of law and order, while fostering a safer and responsible community environment.
Community service has been introduced as a new form of punishment under the updated criminal laws, focusing on reformative justice.(GNS)