Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) sets out the procedure for criminal cases in India: investigation, arrest, bail, trial and appeal. It came into force on 1 July 2024, replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Also available in: हिंदी

Chapters and sections

1. Chapter 1: Preliminary5 sections
2. Chapter 2: Constitution of Criminal Courts and Offices15 sections
3. Chapter 3: Power of Courts9 sections
4. Chapter 4: Powers of Superior Officers of Police and Aid to the Magistrates and the Police5 sections
5. Chapter 5: Arrest of Persons28 sections
6. Chapter 6: Processes to Compel Appearance31 sections
7. Chapter 7: PROCESSES TO COMPEL THE PRODUCTION OF THINGS (A.—Summons to produce, B.—Search-warrants, C.—General provisions relating to searches, D.—Miscellaneous)17 sections
8. Chapter 8: Reciprocal Arrangements for Assistance in Certain Matters and Procedure for Attachment and Forfeiture of Property14 sections
9. Chapter 9: Security for Keeping the Peace and for Good Behaviour19 sections
10. Chapter 10: Order for Maintenance of Wives, Children and Parents4 sections
11. Chapter 11: MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER AND TRANQUILLITY (A.—Unlawful assemblies, B.—Public nuisances, C.—Urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger, D.—Disputes as to immovable property)20 sections
12. Chapter 12: Preventive Action of the Police5 sections
13. Chapter 13: Information to the Police and Their Powers to Investigate24 sections
14. Chapter 14: Jurisdiction of the Criminal Courts in Inquiries and Trials13 sections
15. Chapter 15: Conditions Requisite for Initiation of Proceedings13 sections
16. Chapter 16: Complaints to Magistrates4 sections
17. Chapter 17: Commencement of Proceedings Before Magistrates7 sections
18. Chapter 18: THE CHARGE (A.—Form of charges, B.—Joinder of charges)14 sections
19. Chapter 19: Trial Before a Court of Session13 sections
20. Chapter 20: TRIAL OF WARRANT-CASES BY MAGISTRATES (A.—Cases instituted on a police report, B.—Cases instituted otherwise than on police report, C.—Conclusion of trial)13 sections
21. Chapter 21: Trial of Summons-cases by Magistrates9 sections
22. Chapter 22: Summary Trials6 sections
23. Chapter 23: Plea Bargaining12 sections
24. Chapter 24: Attendance of Persons Confined or Detained in Prisons6 sections
25. Chapter 25: EVIDENCE IN INQUIRIES AND TRIALS (A.—Mode of taking and recording evidence, B.—Commissions for the examination of witnesses)30 sections
26. Chapter 26: General Provisions as to Inquiries and Trials30 sections
27. Chapter 27: Provisions as to Accused Persons of Unsound Mind12 sections
28. Chapter 28: Provisions as to Offences Affecting the Administration of Justice13 sections
29. Chapter 29: The Judgment15 sections
30. Chapter 30: Submission of Death Sentences for Confirmation6 sections
31. Chapter 31: Appeals23 sections
32. Chapter 32: Reference and Revision10 sections
33. Chapter 33: Transfer of Criminal Cases7 sections
34. Chapter 34: EXECUTION, SUSPENSION, REMISSION AND COMMUTATION OF SENTENCES (A.—Death sentences, B.—Imprisonment, C.—Levy of fine, D.—General provisions regarding execution)25 sections
35. Chapter 35: Provisions as to Bail and Bonds19 sections
36. Chapter 36: Disposal of Property9 sections
37. Chapter 37: Irregular Proceedings7 sections
38. Chapter 38: Limitation for Taking Cognizance of Certain Offences7 sections
39. Chapter 39: Miscellaneous12 sections

Official reference: Ministry of Home Affairs: Gazette text, 25 December 2023 — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-07-01.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately.