Petty Organised Crime under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
1. Meaning of Petty Organised Crime under BNS 2023
Petty Organised Crime refers to criminal activities conducted by small groups or networks that display some degree of organisation, but the scale or impact is relatively limited compared to major organised crime syndicates.
These crimes are systematic and planned, involving coordination among offenders.
They often involve repeated offences like extortion, small-scale drug trafficking, theft rings, or local racketeering.
The crime is “petty” because it does not reach the scale or complexity of large organised crime but still harms society and undermines law and order.
2. Features of Petty Organised Crime under BNS 2023
Group or network based: Involving more than one person acting together.
Systematic commission: Crimes are not isolated acts but part of an ongoing operation.
Use of intimidation or coercion: To further criminal objectives or control territory.
Localised impact: Often confined to a city or region.
Recurring offences: Multiple offences linked by common purpose or method.
3. Legal Provisions (Conceptual)
Under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Petty Organised Crime is specifically targeted to address criminal groups operating at a smaller scale but with organised patterns.
The law enables stringent action against such groups.
It provides for enhanced penalties due to the organised nature.
Provisions include powers for surveillance, investigation, and preventive detention to curb these crimes.
It also provides for special courts for speedy trial.
4. Illustrative Case Concept (Hypothetical)
Case: State vs. Raju and Others
Facts:
Raju led a local gang involved in extortion and racketeering in a city area. The gang systematically targeted shopkeepers for protection money over two years.
Legal Issue:
Is the gang liable under petty organised crime provisions?
Court’s Reasoning:
The court found that although the gang was small, their activities were planned and repeated.
The use of intimidation and the organised structure brought their acts under petty organised crime.
The court emphasized the importance of combating even small organised groups to maintain public order.
Outcome:
The gang members were convicted under the relevant provisions addressing petty organised crime.
5. Difference Between Petty and Major Organised Crime
| Aspect | Petty Organised Crime | Major Organised Crime |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Small groups, limited geographical scope | Large syndicates, national or international reach |
| Impact | Localised social harm | Widespread social, economic harm |
| Resources | Limited funding and influence | Significant funding, corruption networks |
| Complexity | Relatively simple organisation | Complex hierarchies and multiple criminal activities |
| Law Enforcement | Addressed under petty organised crime provisions | Handled under broader organised crime laws |
6. Importance of Addressing Petty Organised Crime
It prevents the growth and escalation of small criminal groups into larger syndicates.
Protects local communities from sustained criminal intimidation.
Helps maintain law and order at the grassroots level.
Ensures swift and effective justice through dedicated legal mechanisms.
7. Summary Table
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Small-scale but organised criminal activity |
| Groups involved | Local gangs or networks |
| Common offences | Extortion, theft, racketeering |
| Legal response | Enhanced penalties, special courts, preventive measures |
| Goal of legislation | Early intervention and containment of organised crime |
Conclusion
The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 explicitly recognises and targets Petty Organised Crime as a serious threat, despite its smaller scale. By providing a specific legal framework, it seeks to prevent local organised crime groups from flourishing and escalating into major syndicates.
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