Bhaderwah, March 19 — In a landmark ruling, the Bhaderwah Court on Tuesday pronounced its first-ever community service conviction under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, setting a precedent in alternative sentencing.
Sub Judge Bhaderwah, Madhu Sharma, delivered the verdict against Bikram Singh, who was found guilty under Section 355 of the BNS, 2023, for public misconduct while intoxicated. The court found that Singh had obstructed traffic and caused public nuisance.
In a move aimed at fostering accountability, the court sentenced Singh to three days of community service at Guvshala Dhumunda Bhaderwah. He is required to clean and sweep the premises daily from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
To ensure compliance, the court directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Bhaderwah to oversee the community service and submit a detailed report with photographic evidence.
Singh was represented in court by Advocate Mohd Majid Malik, while the Union Territory (UT) prosecution was led by Senior Public Prosecutor Mustafa Riaz Khan. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court issued its historic judgment.
The ruling marks a significant step in implementing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and signals the judiciary’s commitment to alternative sentencing approaches that emphasize rehabilitation and social responsibility.
Abrar Batt is a CT correspondent. Read More
