Criminal force under BNS requires three elements: (1) intentional application of force, (2) absence of consent from the victim, and (3) the outcome of causing injury, fear, or annoyance. Mere unintentional force, force used in self-defence (which is a recognized exception), or intentional force without the element of non-consent do not meet this threshold.

1. 1 Pick up Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
2. 2 Go to Chapter 1 — Preliminary / General Explanations.
3. 3 Look for the definition of 'force' and 'criminal force'.
4. 4 You'll see three elements: (i) intentional, (ii) without consent, (iii) causing injury/fear/annoyance.

The text reads: Criminal force under BNS is the intentional use of force against another person, without that person's consent, to cause injury, fear, or annoyance.