Kerala High Court Elucidates 'Organized Crime' punishable U/S 111(1) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 : A Comprehensive Analysis

 In a landmark judgment (Bail Application No. 5927 of 2024),Muhammad Rasheed Vs. State of Kerala Decided On: 13.08.2024, the High Court of Kerala has provided crucial clarification on the interpretation of 'organized crime' under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. This case, involving a bail application for an accused charged with gold smuggling, offers significant insights into how courts may apply the new organized crime provisions.

Key Insights and Analysis:

1. Definition of Organized Crime: The court meticulously analyzed Section 111(1) of the BNS, which defines organized crime. It emphasized that for an offense to be classified as organized crime, there must be a "continuing unlawful activity" by a group acting as an organized crime syndicate. This definition aims to target systematic and ongoing criminal enterprises rather than isolated incidents.
2. Requirement of Prior Charge Sheets: A pivotal aspect highlighted by the court is the necessity of having more than one charge sheet filed against the accused within the preceding ten years, with the court having taken cognizance of such offenses. This requirement ensures that the law targets individuals with a pattern of criminal behavior.
3. Continuation of Unlawful Activity: The judgment emphasized that merely having prior charge sheets is insufficient. There must be a continuation of unlawful activities after the enactment of the BNS for the offense to qualify as organised crime. This ensures that the law is not applied retrospectively and targets ongoing criminal enterprises.
4. Strict Interpretation of Penal Statutes: The court advocated for a strict interpretation of penal statutes, emphasizing that presumptions or assumptions have no role in interpreting such laws. This approach safeguards the rights of the accused and ensures that the law is applied as intended by the legislature.
5. Reliance on Supreme Court Precedents: The Kerala High Court heavily relied on previous Supreme Court judgments, particularly the case of State of Maharashtra vs. Shiva alias Shivaji Ramaji Sonawane and others [(2015) 14 SCC 272]. This reliance demonstrates the court's commitment to maintaining consistency in legal interpretation across different jurisdictions.

Analysis of the Supreme Court Judgment: The Supreme Court's decision in the Shivaji Ramaji Sonawane case, which interpreted the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), laid down several crucial principles that the Kerala High Court applied to the BNS:

a) Requirement of Post-Enactment Offense: The Supreme Court clarified that for an offense to be tried under organized crime laws, there must be a commission of an offense after the promulgation of the Act. The Kerala High Court applied this principle to the BNS, emphasizing the need for continuing unlawful activity post-enactment.

b) Insufficiency of Prior Charge Sheets Alone: The Supreme Court held that the mere existence of previous charge sheets is not enough to constitute an offense under organized crime laws. The Kerala High Court echoed this, stating that continuation of unlawful activities is equally important.

c) Dual Requirements: The Supreme Court emphasized that both the history of criminal activities (evidenced by charge sheets) and the commission of a new offense post-enactment are necessary to invoke organized crime provisions. The Kerala High Court incorporated this dual requirement in its interpretation of the BNS.

d) Protection Against Retrospective Application: The Supreme Court's judgment safeguarded against the retrospective application of organized crime laws. The Kerala High Court's interpretation of the BNS aligns with this principle, ensuring that pre-enactment activities alone cannot lead to prosecution under the new law.

Implications and Conclusion: This comprehensive judgment by the Kerala High Court provides a roadmap for interpreting and applying the new organized crime provisions under the BNS, 2023. By drawing parallels with the Supreme Court's interpretation of similar state laws, the High Court has ensured consistency in legal principles across different statutes dealing with organized crime.

The ruling underscores the need for a careful examination of the accused's history, the timing of alleged offenses, and the continuation of unlawful activities post the enactment of the law. It strikes a balance between empowering law enforcement to tackle organized crime and protecting the rights of the accused against overzealous application of the law.

As the BNS is a new legislation, this judgment will likely serve as a crucial reference point for future cases involving charges of organised crime under the said Act . It provides clarity to both the prosecution and defense, helping to ensure that the law is applied justly and effectively in combating organized criminal activities while safeguarding individual rights.

Read full Judgment here: Click here.