Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) LEGUM
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)
THE BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA, 2023
ACT NO. 46 OF 2023
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-fourth Year of the Republic of India as follows: Page | 4
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, introduced by the Indian government
to replace the 50-year-old Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC).
It aims to modernize and simplify criminal justice procedures, making them faster,
more transparent, and victim-centric.
In Ancient India, the Criminal justice was based on Dharmaśāstra, Manusmriti, and
customary laws. Kings had the ultimate authority to punish.
Later it was developed during 1206–1526 (Delhi Sultanate), 1526–1857 (Mughal
Rule) and codified during British Era.
Table 1; Timeline of Criminal Procedure in India
Year Event / Development
Criminal Procedure Code, 1861 enacted – first codified law on criminal
1861 procedures in India.
1898 CrPC, 1898 replaced earlier codes; used until post-Independence.
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act No. 2 of 1974) enacted, replacing CrPC
1973 1898. Came into force on April 1, 1974.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 introduced in Lok Sabha along with 2
2023 other criminal law bills. And Passed by Parliament to replace CrPC, 1973.
Table 2; The Structure of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Particulars Details
Total Chapters 39 Chapters (CrPC – 37)
Total Sections 531 Sections (CrPC – 484)
Schedules 2 Schedules (CrPC – 2)
The First Schedule Classification of Offences
I. Offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
II. Classification of Offences Against Other Laws
The Second Schedule Form – 58 (CrPC – 56)
Enactment 25th December, 2023,
Enforcement 1st July, 2024, S.O. 849 (E).
7th Schedule of the Concurrent List, Entry 2 - Entry 1 for BNS, Entry 12 for
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Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) LEGUM
Constitution BSA
Old Act repealed, but pending cases continue under it.
Repeal & Savings
Section 531.
Nature of Law Lex fori and Procedural law
Page | 5
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to
Preamble
Criminal Procedure.
Table of Chapters
Chapter Title of Chapter Section
1. Preliminary 1-5
2. Constitution of Criminal Courts and Offices. 6-20
3. Power of Courts. 21-29
Powers of Superior Officers of Police and Aid to the
4. 30-34
Magistrates and the Police.
5. Arrest of Persons. 35-62
6. Processes to Compel Appearance. 63-93
7. Processes to Compel the Production of Things. 94-109
Reciprocal Arrangements for Assistance in Certain Matters
8. 110-124
and Procedure for Attachment and Forfeiture of Property.
9. Security for Keeping the Peace and for Good Behaviour. 125-143
10. Order for Maintenance of Wives, Children and Parents. 144-147
11. Maintenance of Public Order and Tranquillity. 148-167
12. Preventive Action of the Police. 168-172
13. Information to the Police and their Powers to Investigate. 173-196
14. Jurisdiction of the Criminal Courts in Inquiries and Trials. 197-209
15. Conditions Requisite for Initiation of Proceedings. 210-222
16. Complaints to Magistrates. 223-226
17. Commencement of Proceedings before Magistrates. 227-233
18. The Charge. 234-247
19. Trial before a Court of Session. 248-260
20. Trial of Warrant-Cases by Magistrates. 261-273
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Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) LEGUM
21. Trial of Summons-Cases by Magistrates. 274-282
22. Summary Trials. 283-288
23. Plea Bargaining. 289-299
24. Attendance of Persons Confined or Detained in Prisons. 300-306 Page | 6
25. Evidence in Inquiries and Trials. 307-336
26. General Provisions as to Inquiries and Trials. 337-356
27. Provisions as to Accused Persons of Unsound Mind. 367-378
Provisions as to Offences Affecting the Administration of
28. 379-391
Justice.
29. The Judgment. 392-406
30. Submission of Death Sentences for Confirmation. 407-412
31. Appeals. 413-435
32. Reference and Revision. 436-445
33. Transfer of Criminal Cases 446-452
Execution, Suspension, Remission and Commutation of
34. 453-477
Sentences
35. Provisions as to Bail and Bonds 478-496
36. Disposal of Property 497-505
37. Irregular Proceedings 506-512
38. Limitation for Taking Cognizance of Certain Offences 513-519
39. Miscellaneous 520-531
How to memories all chapters of BNSS
Memorizing its 531 sections across 39 chapters is essential for aspirants preparing for
Judicial Service Examinations and competitive exams.
1. This guide outlines a systematic method to memorize key chapters, starting with
manual retention of chapters (1, 38, and 39), and
2. by grouping trial-related chapters (19–22), plea bargaining (23), and
3. organizing the remaining chapters (2–37) into sentences.
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Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) LEGUM
1. Memorize 1st, 38 and 39th Chapter manually.
1. Preliminary 1-5
38. Limitation for Taking Cognizance of Certain Offences 513-519
39. Miscellaneous 520-531
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2. Trial, (19, 20, 21, 22)
19. Trial before a Court of Session. 248-260
20. Trial of Warrant-Cases by Magistrates. 261-273
21. Trial of Summons-Cases by Magistrates. 274-282
22. Summary Trials. 283-288
23. Plea Bargaining 281-299
23. Plea Bargaining. – (281-299)
3. The remaining Chapters
1. (Chapter 2 -7) :
The Constitution gives Power to the Police to Arrest and Compel the Appearance
and Production of Things.
2. (Chapter 8 -12) :
Reciprocal security ensures the maintenance of tranquility through preventive
measures.
3. (Chapter 13 -18) :
Information in jurisdiction outlines the conditions requisite for complaints and the
commencement of a charge.
4. (Chapter 24 -29) :
Prisons rely on evidence and general provisions, dealing with unsound mind, to
ensure the proper administration of justice and fair judgment.
5. (Chapter 30 -38) :
In cases of death, appeals, and revisions, the transfer with execution of bail and
bonds, and disposal of irregular matters are crucial.
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