Punjab-Haryana HC Rules Accused Cannot Be Declared Criminal for Offences With <10-Year Sentences

The Punjab‑Haryana High Court issued a ruling today that changes the way certain offences are classified. In cases where the maximum penalty is less than ten years, the court held that the accused cannot be labelled a criminal under Section 84(4) of the Indian National Security Code (BNSC). The decision follows a petition that argued the current practice was inconsistent with constitutional principles. The court emphasized that the classification should reflect the severity of the offence and the punishment prescribed. It also directed lower courts to apply this interpretation in future judgments.