CONTENTS
Table showing sections of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and corresponding sections of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 I-29
Section key to Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 I-59
SECTION
CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent and commencement 1
2. Definitions 2
3. Construction of references 13
4. Trial of offences under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and other laws 14
5. Saving 15
CHAPTER II
CONSTITUTION OF CRIMINAL COURTS AND OFFICES
6. Classes of Criminal Courts 15
7. Territorial divisions 16
8. Court of Session 17
9. Courts of Judicial Magistrates 19
10. Chief Judicial Magistrate and Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, etc. 20
11. Special Judicial Magistrates 21
12. Local Jurisdiction of Judicial Magistrates 22
13. Subordination of Judicial Magistrates 23
14. Executive Magistrates 24
15. Special Executive Magistrates 25
16. Local Jurisdiction of Executive Magistrates 26
17. Subordination of Executive Magistrates 26
CHAPTER III
COURTS
23.
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
ARREST OF PERSONS
Arrest by private person and procedure on such arrest
42. Protection of members of Armed Forces from arrest 56
43. Arrest how made 57
44. Search of place entered by person sought to be arrested 59
45. Pursuit of offenders into other jurisdictions 60
46. No unnecessary restraint 60
47. Person arrested to be informed of grounds of arrest and of right to bail 61
48. Obligation of person making arrest to inform about arrest, etc., to relative or friend 61
49. Search of arrested person 62
50. Power to seize offensive weapons 63
51. Examination of accused by medical practitioner at request of police officer 64
52. Examination of person accused of rape by medical practitioner 65
53. Examination of arrested person by medical officer 67
54. Identification of person arrested 69
55. Procedure when police officer deputes subordinate to arrest without warrant 70
56. Health and safety of arrested person 71
57. Person arrested to be taken before Magistrate or officer in charge of police station 71
58. Person arrested not to be detained more than twenty-four hours 71
59. Police to report apprehensions 72
60. Discharge of person apprehended 73
61. Power, on escape, to pursue and retake 73
62. Arrest to be made strictly according to Sanhita 74 CHAPTER VI
PROCESSES TO COMPEL APPEARANCE A.—Summons
63. Form of summons 74
64. Summons how served 75
65. Service of summons on corporate bodies, firms and societies 76
66. Service when persons summoned cannot be found 77
67. Procedure when service cannot be effected as before provided 78
68. Service on Government servant 79
69. Service of summons outside local limits 80
70. Proof of service in such cases and when serving officer not present 80
71. Service of summons on witness 81
B.—Warrant of arrest
72. Form of warrant of arrest and duration 82
73. Power to direct security to be taken 83
74. Warrants to whom directed 84
75. Warrant may be directed to any person 85
76. Warrant directed to police officer 85
77. Notification of substance of warrant 86
78. Person arrested to be brought before Court without delay 86
79. Where warrant may be executed 87
80. Warrant forwarded for execution outside jurisdiction 87
81. Warrant directed to police officer for execution outside jurisdiction 88
82. Procedure on arrest of person against whom warrant issued 89
83. Procedure by Magistrate before whom such person arrested is brought 90
C.—Proclamation and attachment
84. Proclamation for person absconding 91
85. Attachment of property of person absconding 93
86. Identification and attachment of property of proclaimed person 95
87. Claims and objections to attachment 96
88. Release, sale and restoration of attached property 97
89. Appeal from order rejecting application for restoration of attached property 98
D.—Other rules regarding processes
90. Issue of warrant in lieu of, or in addition to, summons 99
91. Power to take bond or bail bond for appearance 99
92. Arrest on breach of bond or bail bond for appearance 100
93. Provisions of this Chapter generally applicable to summons and warrants of arrest 100
SECTION
CHAPTER VII
PROCESSES TO COMPEL THE PRODUCTION OF THINGS
A.—Summons to produce
94. Summons to produce document or other thing 101
95. Procedure as to letters 102
B.—Search-warrants
96. When search-warrant may be issued 103
97. Search of place suspected to contain stolen property, forged documents, etc. 105
98. Power to declare certain publications forfeited and to issue search-warrants for same 106
99. Application to High Court to set aside declaration of forfeiture 108
100. Search for persons wrongfully confined 110
101. Power to compel restoration of abducted females 110
C.—General provisions relating to searches
102. Direction, etc., of search-warrants 111
103. Persons in charge of closed place to allow search 111
104. Disposal of things found in search beyond jurisdiction 114
D.—Miscellaneous
105. Recording of search and seizure through audio-video electronic means 114
106. Power of police officer to seize certain property 115
107. Attachment, forfeiture or restoration of property 116
108. Magistrate may direct search in his presence 119
109. Power to impound document, etc., produced 119
110. Reciprocal arrangements regarding processes 119
CHAPTER VIII
RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ASSISTANCE IN CERTAIN MATTERS AND PROCEDURE FOR ATTACHMENT AND FORFEITURE OF PROPERTY
Definitions
112. Letter of request to competent authority for investigation in a country or place outside India
113. Letter of request from a country or place outside India to a Court or an authority for investigation in India
114. Assistance in securing transfer of persons
115. Assistance in relation to orders of attachment or forfeiture of property
116. Identifying unlawfully acquired property
117. Seizure or attachment of property
118. Management of properties seized or forfeited under this Chapter
119.
120.
121. Fine in
122. Certain transfers to be
123. Procedure in respect of letter of request
124. Application of this Chapter
CHAPTER IX
125.
128.
137. Discharge of person informed
138. Commencement of period for which
SECTION
139. Contents of bond
140. Power to reject sureties 148
141. Imprisonment in default of security 150
142. Power to release persons imprisoned for failing to give security 152
143. Security for unexpired period of bond 155
CHAPTER X
ORDER FOR MAINTENANCE OF WIVES, CHILDREN AND PARENTS
144. Order for maintenance of wives, children and parents 156
145. Procedure 159
146. Alteration in allowance 160
147. Enforcement of order of maintenance 162
CHAPTER XI
MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER AND TRANQUILITY
A.—Unlawful assemblies
148. Dispersal of assembly by use of civil force 163
149. Use of armed forces to disperse assembly 164
150. Power of certain armed force officers to disperse assembly 165
151. Protection against prosecution for acts done under sections 148, 149 and 150 165
B.—Public nuisances
152. Conditional order for removal of nuisance 167
153. Service or notification of order 169
154. Person to whom order is addressed to obey or show cause 170
155. Penalty for failure to comply with section 154 170
156. Procedure where existence of public right is denied 171
157. Procedure where person against whom order is made under section 152 appears to show cause 172
158. Power of Magistrate to direct local investigation and examination of an expert 173
159. Power of Magistrate to furnish written instructions, etc. 173
SECTION PAGE
160. Procedure on order being made absolute and consequences of disobedience 174
161. Injunction pending inquiry 175
162. Magistrate may prohibit repetition or continuance of public nuisance 176
C.—Urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger
163. Power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger 177
D.—Disputes as to immovable property
164. Procedure where dispute concerning land or water is likely to cause breach of peace 179
165. Power to attach subject of dispute and to appoint receiver 182
166. Dispute concerning right of use of land or water 183
167. Local inquiry 185
CHAPTER XII
PREVENTIVE ACTION OF THE POLICE
168. Police to prevent cognizable offences 186
169. Information of design to commit cognizable offences 187
170. Arrest to prevent commission of cognizable offences 187
171. Prevention of injury to public property 188
172. Persons bound to conform to lawful directions of police 188
CHAPTER XIII
INFORMATION TO THE POLICE AND THEIR POWERS TO INVESTIGATE
173. Information in cognizable cases 189
174. Information as to non-cognizable cases and investigation of such cases 192
175. Police officer’s power to investigate cognizable case 193
176. Procedure for investigation 195
177. Report how submitted 197
178. Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry 198
179. Police officer’s power to require attendance of witnesses 198
180. Examination of witnesses by police 199
SECTION
181. Statements to police and use thereof 200
182. No inducement to be offered 202
183. Recording of confessions and statements 202
184. Medical examination of victim of rape 205
185. Search by police officer 208
186. When officer in charge of police station may require another to issue search-warrant 209
187. Procedure when investigation cannot be completed in twenty-four hours 211
188. Report of investigation by subordinate police officer 216
189. Release of accused when evidence deficient 216
190. Cases to be sent to Magistrate, when evidence is sufficient 217
191. Complainant and witnesses not to be required to accompany police officer and not to be subject to restraint 218
192. Diary of proceedings in investigation 219
193. Report of police officer on completion of investigation 220
194. Police to enquire and report on suicide, etc. 224
195. Power to summon persons 226
196. Inquiry by Magistrate into cause of death 227
CHAPTER XIV
JURISDICTION OF THE CRIMINAL COURTS IN INQUIRIES AND TRIALS
197. Ordinary place of inquiry and trial 229
198. Place of inquiry or trial 230
199. Offence triable where act is done or consequence ensues 230
200. Place of trial where act is an offence by reason of relation to other offence 231
201. Place of trial in case of certain offences 231
202. Offences committed by means of electronic communications, letters, etc. 233
203. Offence committed on journey or voyage 234
204. Place of trial for offences triable together 235
205. Power to order cases to be tried in different sessions divisions 235
206. High Court to decide, in case of doubt, district where inquiry or trial shall take place 236
SECTION
207. Power to issue summons or warrant for offence committed beyond local jurisdiction 236
208. Offence committed outside India 238
209. Receipt of evidence relating to offences committed outside India 238
CHAPTER XV
CONDITIONS REQUISITE FOR INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS
210. Cognizance of offences by Magistrate 239
211. Transfer on application of accused 240
212. Making over of cases to Magistrates 241
213. Cognizance of offences by Court of Session 241
214. Additional Sessions Judges to try cases made over to them 242
215. Prosecution for contempt of lawful authority of public servants, for offences against public justice and for offences relating to documents given in evidence 242
216. Procedure for witnesses in case of threatening, etc. 245
217. Prosecution for offences against State and for criminal conspiracy to commit such offence 245
218. Prosecution of Judges and public servants 247
219. Prosecution for offences against marriage 249
220. Prosecution of offences under section 85 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 252
221. Cognizance of offence 252
222. Prosecution for defamation 253
CHAPTER XVI
COMPLAINTS TO MAGISTRATES
223. Examination of complainant 255
224. Procedure by Magistrate not competent to take cognizance of case 256
225. Postponement of issue of process 257
226. Dismissal of complaint 258
CHAPTER XVII
COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS BEFORE MAGISTRATES
227. Issue of process 259
228. Magistrate may dispense with personal attendance of accused
229. Special summons in cases of petty offence
230. Supply to accused of copy of police report and other documents
231. Supply of copies of statements and documents to accused in other cases triable by Court of Session
232. Commitment of case to Court of Session when offence is triable exclusively by it
233. Procedure to be followed when there is a complaint case and police investigation in respect of same offence
CHAPTER XVIII THE CHARGE
A.—Form of charges
234. Contents of charge
235. Particulars as to time, place and person
236. When manner of committing offence must be stated
237. Words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishable
238. Effect of errors
239. Court may alter charge
240. Recall of witnesses when charge altered
B.—Joinder of charges
241. Separate charges for distinct offences
242. Offences of same kind within year may be charged together
243. Trial for more than one offence
244. Where it is doubtful what offence has been committed
245. When offence proved included in offence charged
246. What persons may be charged jointly
247. Withdrawal of remaining charges on conviction on one of several charges 285
CHAPTER XIX
TRIAL BEFORE A COURT OF SESSION
248. Trial to be conducted by Public Prosecutor 286
249. Opening case for prosecution 286
250. Discharge 286
251. Framing of charge
252. Conviction on plea of guilty
253. Date for prosecution evidence
254. Evidence for prosecution
255. Acquittal
256. Entering upon defence
257. Arguments
258. Judgment of acquittal or conviction
259. Previous conviction
260. Procedure in cases instituted under sub-section (2) of section 222 293
CHAPTER XX
TRIAL OF WARRANT-CASES BY MAGISTRATES
A.—Cases instituted on a police report
261. Compliance with section 230
262. When accused shall be discharged
263. Framing of charge
264. Conviction on plea of guilty
265. Evidence for prosecution
266. Evidence for defence
B.—Cases instituted otherwise than on police report
267. Evidence for prosecution
268.
SECTION
C.—Conclusion of trial
271. Acquittal or conviction 305
272. Absence of complainant 306
273. Compensation for accusation without reasonable cause 306
CHAPTER XXI
TRIAL OF SUMMONS-CASES BY MAGISTRATES
274. Substance of accusation to be stated 309
275. Conviction on plea of guilty 309
276. Conviction on plea of guilty in absence of accused in petty cases 310
277. Procedure when not convicted 311
278. Acquittal or conviction 312
279. Non-appearance or death of complainant 313
280. Withdrawal of complaint 314
281. Power to stop proceedings in certain cases 315
282. Power of Court to convert summons-cases into warrantcases 315
CHAPTER XXII
SUMMARY TRIALS
283. Power to try summarily 316
284. Summary trial by Magistrate of second class 318
285. Procedure for summary trials 319
286. Record in summary trials 319
287. Judgment in cases tried summarily 320
288. Language of record and judgment 321
CHAPTER XXIII
PLEA BARGAINING
289. Application of Chapter 321
290. Application for plea bargaining 323
291. Guidelines for mutually satisfactory disposition 325
292. Report of mutually satisfactory disposition to be submitted before Court
293. Disposal of case
SECTION
294. Judgment of Court 328
295. Finality of judgment 329
296. Power of Court in plea bargaining 329
297. Period of detention undergone by accused to be set off against sentence of imprisonment 330
298. Savings 330
299. Statements of accused not to be used 331
300. Non-application of Chapter 331
CHAPTER XXIV
ATTENDANCE OF PERSONS CONFINED OR DETAINED IN PRISONS
301. Definitions 332
302. Power to require attendance of prisoners 333
303. Power of State Government or Central Government to exclude certain persons from operation of section 302 334
304. Officer in charge of prison to abstain from carrying out order in certain contingencies 335
305. Prisoner to be brought to Court in custody 336
306. Power to issue commission for examination of witness in prison 337
CHAPTER XXV
EVIDENCE IN INQUIRIES AND TRIALS
A.—Mode of taking and recording evidence
307. Language of Courts 337
308. Evidence to be taken in presence of accused 338
309. Record in summons-cases and inquiries 338
310. Record in warrant-cases 339
311. Record in trial before Court of Session 340
312. Language of record of evidence 341
313. Procedure in regard to such evidence when completed 342
314. Interpretation of evidence to accused or his advocate 343
315. Remarks respecting demeanour of witness 343
316. Record of examination of accused 344
SECTION
317. Interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfully
318. Record in High Court
B.—Commissions for the examination of witnesses
319. When attendance of witness may be dispensed with and commission issued
320. Commission to whom to be issued
321. Execution of commissions
322. Parties may examine witnesses
323. Return of commission
324. Adjournment of proceeding
325. Execution of foreign commissions
326. Deposition of medical witness
327. Identification report of Magistrate
328. Evidence of officers of Mint
329. Reports of certain Government scientific experts
330. No formal proof of certain documents
331. Affidavit in proof of conduct of public servants
332. Evidence of formal character on affidavit
333. Authorities before whom affidavits may be sworn
334. Previous conviction or acquittal how proved
335. Record of evidence in absence of accused
336. Evidence of public servants, experts, police officers in certain cases 360
CHAPTER XXVI
GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO INQUIRIES AND TRIALS
337. Person once convicted or acquitted not to be tried for same offence
338. Appearance by Public Prosecutors
339. Permission to conduct prosecution
340. Right of person against whom proceedings are instituted to be defended
341. Legal aid to accused at State expense in certain cases
342. Procedure when corporation or registered society is an accused
SECTION
343. Tender of pardon to accomplice 368
344. Power to direct tender of pardon 370
345. Trial of person not complying with conditions of pardon 371
346. Power to postpone or adjourn proceedings 372
347. Local inspection 375
348. Power to summon material witness, or examine person present 376
349. Power of Magistrate to order person to give specimen signatures or handwriting, etc. 376
350. Expenses of complainants and witnesses 377
351. Power to examine accused 377
352. Oral arguments and memorandum of arguments 379
353. Accused person to be competent witness 380
354. No influence to be used to induce disclosure 381
355. Provision for inquiries and trial being held in the absence of accused in certain cases 381
356. Inquiry, trial or judgment in absentia of proclaimed offender 382
357. Procedure where accused does not understand proceedings 385
358. Power to proceed against other persons appearing to be guilty of offence 386
359. Compounding of offences 387
360. Withdrawal from prosecution 396
361. Procedure in cases which Magistrate cannot dispose of 398
362. Procedure when after commencement of inquiry or trial, Magistrate finds case should be committed 399
363. Trial of persons previously convicted of offences against coinage, stamp-law or property 400
364. Procedure when Magistrate cannot pass sentence sufficiently severe 401
365. Conviction or commitment on evidence partly recorded by one Magistrate and partly by another 402
366. Court to be open 403
CHAPTER XXVII
PROVISIONS AS TO ACCUSED PERSONS OF UNSOUND MIND
367. Procedure in case of accused being person of unsound mind 404
SECTION
368. Procedure in case of person of unsound mind tried before Court 407
369. Release of person of unsound mind pending investigation or trial 409
370. Resumption of inquiry or trial 411
371. Procedure on accused appearing before Magistrate or Court 411
372. When accused appears to have been of sound mind 412
373. Judgment of acquittal on ground of unsoundness of mind 413
374. Person acquitted on ground of unsoundness of mind to be detained in safe custody 413
375. Power of State Government to empower officer in charge to discharge 414
376. Procedure where prisoner of unsound mind is reported capable of making his defence 415
377. Procedure where person of unsound mind detained is declared fit to be released 416
378. Delivery of person of unsound mind to care of relative or friend 416
CHAPTER XXVIII
PROVISIONS AS TO OFFENCES AFFECTING THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
379. Procedure in cases mentioned in section 215 418
380. Appeal 419
381. Power to order costs 420
382. Procedure of Magistrate taking cognizance 421
383. Summary procedure for trial for giving false evidence 421
384. Procedure in certain cases of contempt 423
385. Procedure where Court considers that case should not be dealt with under section 384 424
386. When Registrar or Sub-Registrar to be deemed a Civil Court 425
387. Discharge of offender on submission of apology 425
388. Imprisonment or committal of person refusing to answer or produce document 425
389. Summary procedure for punishment for non-attendance by a witness in obedience to summons 426
SECTION
390. Appeals from convictions under sections 383, 384, 388 and 389 427
391. Certain Judges and Magistrates not to try certain offences when committed before themselves 428
CHAPTER
XXIX
THE JUDGMENT
392. Judgment 429
393. Language and contents of judgment 431
394. Order for notifying address of previously convicted offender 433
395. Order to pay compensation 435
396. Victim compensation scheme 437
397. Treatment of victims 439
398. Witness protection scheme 439
399. Compensation to persons groundlessly arrested 439
400. Order to pay costs in non-cognizable cases 440
401. Order to release on probation of good conduct or after admonition 441
402. Special reasons to be recorded in certain cases 445
403. Court not to alter judgment 446
404. Copy of judgment to be given to accused and other persons 446
405. Judgment when to be translated 448
406. Court of Session to send copy of finding and sentence to District Magistrate 448
CHAPTER XXX
SUBMISSION OF DEATH SENTENCES FOR CONFIRMATION
407. Sentence of death to be submitted by Court of Session for confirmation 449
408. Power to direct further inquiry to be made or additional evidence to be taken 449
409. Power of High Court to confirm sentence or annul conviction 450
410. Confirmation or new sentence to be signed by two Judges 451
411. Procedure in case of difference of opinion 451
412. Procedure in cases submitted to High Court for confirmation 452 S. 412
SECTION
CHAPTER XXXI APPEALS
413. No appeal to lie unless otherwise provided 452
414. Appeal from orders requiring security or refusal to accept or rejecting surety for keeping peace or good behaviour 453
415. Appeals from convictions 454
416. No appeal in certain cases when accused pleads guilty 455
417. No appeal in petty cases 456
418. Appeal by State Government against sentence 457
419. Appeal in case of acquittal 459
420. Appeal against conviction by High Court in certain cases 461
421. Special right of appeal in certain cases 461
422. Appeal to Court of Session how heard 462
423. Petition of appeal 462
424. Procedure when appellant in jail 463
425. Summary dismissal of appeal 463
426. Procedure for hearing appeals not dismissed summarily 465
427. Powers of Appellate Court 466
428. Judgments of Subordinate Appellate Court 468
429. Order of High Court on appeal to be certified to lower Court 468
430. Suspension of sentence pending appeal; release of appellant on bail 469
431. Arrest of accused in appeal from acquittal 471
432. Appellate Court may take further evidence or direct it to be taken 471
433. Procedure where Judges of Court of Appeal are equally divided 472
434. Finality of judgments and orders on appeal 473
435. Abatement of appeals 474
CHAPTER XXXII REFERENCE AND REVISION
436. Reference to High Court 474
437. Disposal of case according to decision of High Court 475
438. Calling for records to exercise powers of revision 476
439. Power to order inquiry 477
SECTION PAGE
440. Sessions Judge’s powers of revision 478
441. Power of Additional Sessions Judge 479
442. High Court’s powers of revision 479
443. Power of High Court to withdraw or transfer revision cases 480
444. Option of Court to hear parties 482
445. High Court’s order to be certified to lower Court 482
CHAPTER XXXIII
TRANSFER OF CRIMINAL CASES
446. Power of Supreme Court to transfer cases and appeals 483
447. Power of High Court to transfer cases and appeals 484
448. Power of Sessions Judge to transfer cases and appeals 487
449. Withdrawal of cases and appeals by Session Judges 488
450. Withdrawal of cases by Judicial Magistrates 489
451. Making over or withdrawal of cases by Executive Magistrates 489
452. Reasons to be recorded 490
CHAPTER XXXIV
EXECUTION, SUSPENSION, REMISSION AND COMMUTATION OF SENTENCES
A.—Death Sentences
453. Execution of order passed under section 409 490
454. Execution of sentence of death passed by High Court 491
455. Postponement of execution of sentence of death in case of appeal to Supreme Court 491
456. Commutation of sentence of death on pregnant woman 492
B.—Imprisonment
457. Power to appoint place of imprisonment 493
458. Execution of sentence of imprisonment 494
459. Direction of warrant for execution 495
460. Warrant with whom to be lodged 495
C.—Levy of fine
461. Warrant for levy of fine 495
462. Effect of such warrant 497
SECTION PAGE
463. Warrant for levy of fine issued by a Court in any territory to which this Sanhita does not extend 497
464. Suspension of execution of sentence of imprisonment 498
D.—General provisions regarding execution
465. Who may issue warrant 499
466. Sentence on escaped convict when to take effect 500
467. Sentence on offender already sentenced for another offence 501
468. Period of detention undergone by accused to be set off against sentence of imprisonment 502
469. Saving 502
470. Return of warrant on execution of sentence 503
471. Money ordered to be paid recoverable as a fine 503
E.—Suspension, remission and commutation of sentences
472. Mercy Petition in death sentence cases 504
473. Power to suspend or remit sentences 507
474. Power to commute sentence 509
475. Restriction on powers of remission or commutation in certain cases 510
476. Concurrent power of Central Government in case of death sentences 511
477. State Government to act after concurrence with Central Government in certain cases 511
CHAPTER XXXV
PROVISIONS AS TO BAIL AND BONDS
478. In what cases bail to be taken 512
479. Maximum period for which undertrial prisoner can be detained 514
480. When bail may be taken in case of non-bailable offence 515
481. Bail to require accused to appear before next Appellate Court 519
482. Direction for grant of bail to person apprehending arrest 520
483. Special powers of High Court or Court of Session regarding bail 521
484. Amount of bond and reduction thereof 523
485. Bond of accused and sureties 523
486. Declaration by sureties 525
SECTION PAGE
487. Discharge from custody 525
488. Power to order sufficient bail when that first taken is insufficient 526
489. Discharge of sureties 526
490. Deposit instead of recognizance 527
491. Procedure when bond has been forfeited 527
492. Cancellation of bond and bail bond 529
493. Procedure in case of insolvency or death of surety or when a bond is forfeited 530
494. Bond required from child 531
495. Appeal from orders under section 491 531
496. Power to direct levy of amount due on certain recognizances 532
CHAPTER XXXVI
DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY
497. Order for custody and disposal of property pending trial in certain cases 532
498. Order for disposal of property at conclusion of trial 534
499. Payment to innocent purchaser of money found on accused 535
500. Appeal against orders under section 498 or section 499 536
501. Destruction of libellous and other matter 536
502. Power to restore possession of immovable property 537
503. Procedure by police upon seizure of property 538
504. Procedure where no claimant appears within six months 539
505. Power to sell perishable property 540
CHAPTER XXXVII
IRREGULAR PROCEEDINGS
506. Irregularities which do not vitiate proceedings 540
507. Irregularities which vitiate proceedings 541
508. Proceedings in wrong place 543
509. Non-compliance with provisions of section 183 or section 316 543
510. Effect of omission to frame, or absence of, or error in, charge 544
511. Finding or sentence when reversible by reason of error, omission or irregularity 545
512. Defect or error not to make attachment unlawful 546
I-27
CONTENTS Sch. II
SECTION PAGE
CHAPTER XXXVIII
LIMITATION FOR TAKING COGNIZANCE OF CERTAIN OFFENCES
513. Definitions 547
514. Bar to taking cognizance after lapse of period of limitation 547
515. Commencement of period of limitation 548
516. Exclusion of time in certain cases 549
517. Exclusion of date on which Court is closed 551
518. Continuing offence 551
519. Extension of period of limitation in certain cases 552
CHAPTER XXXIX
MISCELLANEOUS
520. Trials before High Courts 552
521. Delivery to commanding officers of persons liable to be tried by Court-martial 553
522. Forms 554
523. Power of High Court to make rules 555
524. Power to alter functions allocated to Executive Magistrate in certain cases 556
525. Cases in which Judge or Magistrate is personally interested 556
526. Practising advocate not to sit as Magistrate in certain Courts 557
527. Public servant concerned in sale not to purchase or bid for property 557
528. Saving of inherent powers of High Court 558
529. Duty of High Court to exercise continuous superintendence over Courts 558
530. Trial and proceedings to be held in electronic mode 559
531. Repeal and savings 559 FIRST SCHEDULE 562 SECOND SCHEDULE 615
CHAPTER XI
MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER AND TRANQUILITY
A.—Unlawful assemblies
Dispersal of assembly by use of civil force.
148. (1) Any Executive Magistrate or officer in charge of a police station or, in the absence of such officer in charge, any police officer, not below the rank of a sub-inspector, may command any unlawful assembly, or any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace, to disperse; and it shall thereupon be the duty of the members of such assembly to disperse accordingly.
(2) If, upon being so commanded, any such assembly does not disperse, or if, without being so commanded, it conducts itself in such a manner as to show a determination not to disperse, any Executive Magistrate or police officer referred to in sub-section (1), may proceed to disperse such assembly by force, and may require the assistance of any person, not being an officer or member of the armed forces and acting as such, for the purpose of dispersing such assembly, and, if necessary, arresting and confining the persons who form part of it, in order to disperse such assembly or that they may be punished according to law.
Corresponding Provision : Section 129 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
148.1 Dispersal of assembly by use of civil force
Any Executive Magistrate or officer in charge of a police station or, in the absence of such officer in charge, any police officer, not below the rank of a sub-inspector, may command any unlawful assembly, or any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace, to disperse; and it shall thereupon be the duty of the members of such assembly to disperse accordingly.
148.2 Use of force to disperse the assembly
If, upon being so commanded, any such assembly does not disperse, or if, without being so commanded, it conducts itself in such a manner as to show a determination not to disperse, any Executive Magistrate or police officer, may proceed to disperse such assembly by force, and may require the assistance of any person, not being an officer or member of the armed forces and acting as such, for the purpose of dispersing such assembly, and if necessary, arresting and confining the persons who form part of it, in order to disperse such assembly or that they may be punished according to law.
S. 149 BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA, 2023 164
Use of armed forces to disperse assembly.
149. (1) If any assembly referred to in sub-section (1) of section 148 cannot otherwise be dispersed, and it is necessary for the public security that it should be dispersed, the District Magistrate or any other Executive Magistrate authorised by him, who is present, may cause it to be dispersed by the armed forces.
(2) Such Magistrate may require any officer in command of any group of persons belonging to the armed forces to disperse the assembly with the help of the armed forces under his command, and to arrest and confine such persons forming part of it as the Executive Magistrate may direct, or as it may be necessary to arrest and confine in order to disperse the assembly or to have them punished according to law.
(3) Every such officer of the armed forces shall obey such requisition in such manner as he thinks fit, but in so doing he shall use as little force, and do as little injury to person and property, as may be consistent with dispersing the assembly and arresting and detaining such persons.
Corresponding Provision : Section 130 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
149.1 Use of armed forces to disperse assembly
The District Magistrate or any other Executive Magistrate authorised by him, who is present, may cause an assembly to be dispersed by the armed forces if:—
It is any assembly referred to in sub-section (1) of section 148 (, i.e., any unlawful assembly or any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace)
It cannot otherwise be dispersed (, i.e., cannot be dispersed without use of armed forces), and
It is necessary for the public security that it should be dispersed [Section 149(1)]
149.2 What such Magistrate may require armed forces to do to disperse assembly
Such Magistrate may require any officer in command of any group of persons belonging to the armed forces
to disperse the assembly with the help of the armed forces under his command, and to arrest and confine such persons forming part of it as the Executive Magistrate may direct, or as it may be necessary to arrest and confine in order to disperse the assembly or to have them punished according to law.
149.3 Duty of officer of armed forces to obey such requisition
Every such officer of the armed forces shall obey such requisition in such manner as he thinks fit,
but in so doing he shall use as little force, and do as little injury to person and property, as may be consistent with dispersing the assembly and arresting and detaining such persons.
Power of certain armed force officers to disperse assembly.
150. When the public security is manifestly endangered by any such assembly and no Executive Magistrate can be communicated with, any commissioned or gazetted officer of the armed forces may disperse such assembly with the help of the armed forces under his command, and may arrest and confine any persons forming part of it, in order to disperse such assembly or that they may be punished according to law; but if, while he is acting under this section, it becomes practicable for him to communicate with an Executive Magistrate, he shall do so, and shall thenceforward obey the instructions of the Magistrate, as to whether he shall or shall not continue such action.
Corresponding Provision : Section 131 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
150.1 Power of certain armed force officers to disperse assembly
When the public security is manifestly endangered by any such assembly and no Executive Magistrate can be communicated with, any commissioned or Gazetted Officer of the armed forces may disperse such assembly with the help of the armed forces under his command, and may arrest and confine any persons forming part of it, in order to disperse such assembly or that they may be punished according to law;
but if, while he is acting under this section, it becomes practicable for him to communicate with an Executive Magistrate, he shall do so, and shall thenceforward obey the instructions of the Magistrate, as to whether he shall or shall not continue such action.
Protection against prosecution for acts done under sections 148, 149 and 150.
151. (1) No prosecution against any person for any act purporting to be done under section 148, section 149 or section 150 shall be instituted in any Criminal Court except—
(a) with the sanction of the Central Government where such person is an officer or member of the armed forces;
(b) with the sanction of the State Government in any other case.
(2) (a) No Executive Magistrate or police officer acting under any of the said sections in good faith;
S. 151 BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA, 2023 166
(
b) no person doing any act in good faith in compliance with a requisition under section 148 or section 149;
(
c) no officer of the armed forces acting under section 150 in good faith;
(d) no member of the armed forces doing any act in obedience to any order which he was bound to obey, shall be deemed to have thereby committed an offence.
(3) In this section and in the preceding sections of this Chapter,—
(a) the expression “armed forces” means the army, naval and air forces, operating as land forces and includes any other armed forces of the Union so operating;
(
b) “officer”, in relation to the armed forces, means a person commissioned, gazetted or in pay as an officer of the armed forces and includes a junior commissioned officer, a warrant officer, a petty officer, a noncommissioned officer and a non-gazetted officer;
(
c) “member”, in relation to the armed forces, means a person in the armed forces other than an officer.
Corresponding Provision : Section 132 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
151.1 Protection against prosecution for acts done under sections 148, 149 and 150
No prosecution against any person for any act purporting to be done under section 148, section 149 or section 150 shall be instituted in any Criminal Court except—
(a) with the sanction of the Central Government where such person is an officer or member of the armed forces;
(b) with the sanction of the State Government in any other case. [Section 151(1)]
151.2 Not deemed to have committed any offence [Section 151(2)]
The following shall not be deemed to have committed an offence:
Executive Magistrate or police officer acting under any of the said sections in good faith;
Person doing any act in good faith in compliance with a requisition under section 148 or section 149
Officer of the armed forces acting under section 150 in good faith;
Member of the armed forces doing any act in obedience to any order which he was bound to obey,
151.3 Definitions of terms “armed forces”, ”officer” and “member” of armed forces
In this section and in the preceding sections of this Chapter,—
(a) the expression “armed forces” means the military, naval and air forces, operating as land forces and includes any other armed forces of the Union so operating;
(b) “officer”, in relation to the armed forces, means a person commissioned, gazetted or in pay as an officer of the armed forces and includes a junior commissioned officer, a warrant officer, a petty officer, a non-commissioned officer and a non-gazetted officer;
(c) “member”, in relation to the armed forces, means a person in the armed forces other than an officer.
B.—Public nuisances
Conditional order for removal of nuisance.
152. (1) Whenever a District Magistrate or a Sub-divisional Magistrate or any other Executive Magistrate specially empowered in this behalf by the State Government, on receiving the report of a police officer or other information and on taking such evidence (if any) as he thinks fit, considers—
(
(
(
(
(
(
(i) to remove such obstruction or nuisance; or 167 CH. XI : MAINTENANCE OF
a) that any unlawful obstruction or nuisance should be removed from any public place or from any way, river or channel which is or may be lawfully used by the public; or
b) that the conduct of any trade or occupation, or the keeping of any goods or merchandise, is injurious to the health or physical comfort of the community, and that in consequence such trade or occupation should be prohibited or regulated or such goods or merchandise should be removed or the keeping thereof regulated; or
c) that the construction of any building, or, the disposal of any substance, as is likely to occasion conflagration or explosion, should be prevented or stopped; or
d) that any building, tent or structure, or any tree is in such a condition that it is likely to fall and thereby cause injury to persons living or carrying on business in the neighbourhood or passing by, and that in consequence the removal, repair or support of such building, tent or structure, or the removal or support of such tree, is necessary; or
e) that any tank, well or excavation adjacent to any such way or public place should be fenced in such manner as to prevent danger arising to the public; or
f) that any dangerous animal should be destroyed, confined or otherwise disposed of,
such Magistrate may make a conditional order requiring the person causing such obstruction or nuisance, or carrying on such trade or occupation, or keeping any such goods or merchandise, or owning, possessing or controlling such building, tent, structure, substance, tank, well or excavation, or owning or possessing such animal or tree, within a time to be fixed in the order—
S. 152 BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA, 2023 168
(ii) to desist from carrying on, or to remove or regulate in such manner as may be directed, such trade or occupation, or to remove such goods or merchandise, or to regulate the keeping thereof in such manner as may be directed; or
(iii) to prevent or stop the construction of such building, or to alter the disposal of such substance; or
(iv) to remove, repair or support such building, tent or structure, or to remove or support such trees; or
(
v) to fence such tank, well or excavation; or
(vi) to destroy, confine or dispose of such dangerous animal in the manner provided in the said order,
or, if he objects so to do, to appear before himself or some other Executive Magistrate subordinate to him at a time and place to be fixed by the order, and show cause, in the manner hereinafter provided, why the order should not be made absolute.
(2) No order duly made by a Magistrate under this section shall be called in question in any Civil Court.
Explanation.—A “public place” includes also property belonging to the State, camping grounds and grounds left unoccupied for sanitary or recreative purposes.
Corresponding Provision : Section 133 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
152.1 Conditional order for removal of nuisance
Whenever a District Magistrate or a Sub-divisional Magistrate or any other Executive Magistrate specially empowered in this behalf by the State Government, on receiving the report of a police officer or other information and on taking such evidence (if any) as he thinks fit, considers—
(a) that any unlawful obstruction or nuisance should be removed from any public place or from any way, river or channel which is or may be lawfully used by the public; or
(b) that the conduct of any trade or occupation, or the keeping of any goods or merchandise, is injurious to the health or physical comfort of the community, and that in consequence such trade or occupation should be prohibited or regulated or such goods or merchandise should be removed or the keeping thereof regulated; or
(c) that the construction of any building, or, the disposal of any substance, as is likely to occasion configuration or explosion, should be prevented or stopped; or
(d) that any building, tent or structure, or any tree is in such a condition that it is likely to fall and thereby cause injury to persons living or carrying on business in the neighbourhood or passing by, and that in consequence the
(
removal, repair or support of such building, tent or structure, or the removal or support of such tree, is necessary; or
e) that any tank, well or excavation adjacent to any such way or public place should be fenced in such manner as to prevent danger arising to the public; or
(f) that any dangerous animal should be destroyed, confined or otherwise disposed of,
Such Magistrate may make a conditional order requiring the person causing such obstruction or nuisance, or carrying on such trade or occupation, or keeping any such goods or merchandise, or owning, possessing or controlling such building, tent, structure, substance, tank, well or excavation, or owning or possessing such animal or tree, within a time to be fixed in the order—
(i) to remove such obstruction or nuisance; or
(
ii) to desist from carrying on, or to remove or regulate in such manner as may be directed, such trade or occupation, or to remove such goods or merchandise, or to regulate the keeping thereof in such manner as may be directed; or
(iii) to prevent or stop the construction of such building, or to alter the disposal of such substance; or
(
iv) to remove, repair or support such building, tent or structure, or to remove or support such trees; or
(v) to fence such tank, well or excavation; or
(
vi) to destroy, confine or dispose of such dangerous animal in the manner provided in the said order,
or, if he objects so to do, to appear before himself or some other Executive Magistrate subordinate to him at a time and place to be fixed by the order, and show cause, in the manner hereinafter provided, why the order should not be made absolute.
152.2 Public Place
A “public place” includes also property belonging to the State, camping grounds and grounds left unoccupied for sanitary or recreative purposes.
152.3 Magistrate’s Order can’t be called in question in any Civil Court
No order duly made by a Magistrate under this section shall be called in question in any Civil Court.
Service or notification of order.
153. (1) The order shall, if practicable, be served on the person against whom it is made, in the manner herein provided for service of summons.
(2) If such order cannot be so served, it shall be notified by proclamation published in such manner as the State Government may, by rules, direct, and a copy thereof shall be stuck up at such place or places as may be fittest for conveying the information to such person.
Corresponding Provision : Section 134 of Cr.PC., 1973
S. 155 BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA, 2023
COMMENTS
170
SECTION ANALYSIS
153.1 Service or notification of order
The order shall, if practicable, be served on the person against whom it is made, in the manner herein provided for service of summons.
153.2 Notification by proclamation or by electronic communication and sticking up copy at place/places, where order can’t be served
If such order cannot be so served, it shall be notified by proclamation or by electronic communication in such manner as the State Government may, by rules, direct, and a copy thereof shall be stuck up at such place or places as may be fittest for conveying the information to such person.
Person to whom order is addressed to obey or show cause.
154. The person against whom such order is made shall—
(a) perform, within the time and in the manner specified in the order, the act directed thereby; or
(b) appear in accordance with such order and show cause against the same; and such appearance or hearing may be permitted through audio-video conferencing.
Corresponding Provision : Section 135 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
154.1 Person to whom order is addressed to obey or show cause
The person against whom such order is made shall—
(a) perform, within the time and in the manner specified in the order, the act directed thereby; or
(b) appear in accordance with such order and show cause against the same; and such appearance or hearing may be permitted through audio video conferencing.
Penalty for failure to comply with section 154.
155. If the person against whom an order is made under section 154 does not perform such act or appear and show cause, he shall be liable to the penalty specified in that behalf in section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the order shall be made absolute.
Corresponding Provision : Section 136 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
155.1 Penalty for failure to comply with section 154
If the person against whom an order is made under section 154 does not perform such act or appear and show cause, he shall be liable to the penalty specified in that behalf in section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the order shall be made absolute.
Procedure where existence of public right is denied.
156. (1) Where an order is made under section 152 for the purpose of preventing obstruction, nuisance or danger to the public in the use of any way, river, channel or place, the Magistrate shall, on the appearance before him of the person against whom the order was made, question him as to whether he denies the existence of any public right in respect of the way, river, channel or place, and if he does so, the Magistrate shall, before proceeding under section 157, inquire into the matter.
(2) If in such inquiry the Magistrate finds that there is any reliable evidence in support of such denial, he shall stay the proceedings until the matter of the existence of such right has been decided by a competent Court; and, if he finds that there is no such evidence, he shall proceed as laid down in section 157.
(3) A person who has, on being questioned by the Magistrate under sub-section (1), failed to deny the existence of a public right of the nature therein referred to, or who, having made such denial, has failed to adduce reliable evidence in support thereof, shall not in the subsequent proceedings be permitted to make any such denial.
Corresponding Provision : Section 137 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
156.1 Magistrate shall question the person against whom the order is made as to whether he denies existence of any public right
Where an order is made under section 152 for the purpose of preventing obstruction, nuisance or danger to the public in the use of any way, river, channel or place, the Magistrate shall, on the appearance before him of the person against whom the order was made, question him as to whether he denies the existence of any public right in respect of the way, river, channel or place, and 171 CH. XI : MAINTENANCE OF
S. 157 BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA, 2023 172
156.2 Inquiry by Magistrate where person denies public right
If he does so, the Magistrate shall, before proceeding under section 157, inquire into the matter.
156.3 Magistrate to stay proceedings if there are reliable evidence to support the denial
If in such inquiry the Magistrate finds that there is any reliable evidence in support of such denial, he shall stay the proceedings until the matter of the existence of such right has been decided by a competent Court; and if he finds that there is no such evidence, he shall proceed as laid down in section 157.
156.4 Consequence of non-denial on being questioned by Magistrate or failure to adduce reliable evidence for denial
A person who has, on being questioned by the Magistrate under sub-section (1), failed to deny the existence of a public right of the nature therein referred to, or who, having made such denial, has failed to adduce reliable evidence in support thereof, shall not in the subsequent proceedings be permitted to make any such denial.
Procedure where person against whom order is made under section 152 appears to show cause.
157. (1) If the person against whom an order under section 152 is made appears and shows cause against the order, the Magistrate shall take evidence in the matter as in a summons-case.
(2) If the Magistrate is satisfied that the order, either as originally made or subject to such modification as he considers necessary, is reasonable and proper, the order shall be made absolute without modification or, as the case may be, with such modification.
(3) If the Magistrate is not so satisfied, no further proceedings shall be taken in the case:
Provided that the proceedings under this section shall be completed, as soon as possible, within a period of ninety days, which may be extended for the reasons to be recorded in writing, to one hundred and twenty days.
Corresponding Provision : Section 138 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
157.1 Evidence to be taken like in a summons-case where person against whom order is made appears and shows cause
If the person against whom an order under section 152 is made appears and shows cause against the order, the Magistrate shall take evidence in the matter as in a summons-case.
173 CH. XI : MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER AND TRANQUILITY S. 159
157.2 Order to be made absolute if the Magistrate is satisfied that the order is reasonable and proper
If the Magistrate is satisfied that the order, either as originally made or subject to such modification as he considers necessary, is reasonable and proper, the order shall be made absolute without modification or, as the case may be, with such modification.
157.3 No further proceedings if Magistrate not so satisfied
If the Magistrate is not so satisfied, no further proceedings shall be taken in the case
157.4 Time-bound completion of proceedings under this section within 90 days extendable to 120 days for reasons recorded in writing
The proceedings under this section shall be completed, as soon as possible, within a period of ninety days, which may be extended for the reasons to be recorded in writing, to one hundred and twenty days.
Power of Magistrate to direct local investigation and examination of an expert.
158. The Magistrate may, for the purposes of an inquiry under section 156 or section 157—
(a) direct a local investigation to be made by such person as he thinks fit; or
(b) summon and examine an expert.
Corresponding Provision : Section 139 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
158.1 Power of Magistrate to direct local investigation and examination of an expert
The Magistrate may, for the purposes of an inquiry under section 156 or section 157—
(a) direct a local investigation to be made by such person as he thinks fit; or (b) summon and examine an expert.
Power of Magistrate to furnish written instructions, etc.
159. (1) Where the Magistrate directs a local investigation by any person under section 158, the Magistrate may—
(a) furnish such person with such written instructions as may seem necessary for his guidance;
(b) declare by whom the whole or any part of the necessary expenses of the local investigation shall be paid.
S. 160 BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA, 2023 174
(2) The report of such person may be read as evidence in the case.
(3) Where the Magistrate summons and examines an expert under section 158, the Magistrate may direct by whom the costs of such summoning and examination shall be paid.
Corresponding Provision : Section 140 of Cr.PC., 1973
COMMENTS
SECTION ANALYSIS
159.1 Powers of Magistrate as regards local investigation directed by him under section 158
Where the Magistrate directs a local investigation by any person under section 158, the Magistrate may—
(a) furnish such person with such written instructions as may seem necessary for his guidance;
(
b) declare by whom the whole or any part of the necessary expenses of the local investigation shall be paid.
159.2 Investigation report
The report of such person may be read as evidence in the case.
159.3 Direction as to who should bear costs of expert evidence
Where the Magistrate summons and examines an expert under section 158, the Magistrate may direct by whom the costs of such summoning and examination shall be paid.
Procedure on order being made absolute and consequences of disobedience.
160. (1) When an order has been made absolute under section 155 or section 157, the Magistrate shall give notice of the same to the person against whom the order was made, and shall further require him to perform the act directed by the order within the time to be fixed in the notice, and inform him that, in case of disobedience, he shall be liable to the penalty provided by section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
(2) If such act is not performed within the time fixed, the Magistrate may cause it to be performed, and may recover the costs of performing it, either by the sale of any building, goods or other property removed by his order, or by the distress and sale of any other movable property of such person within or without such Magistrate’s local jurisdiction, and if such other property is without such jurisdiction, the order shall authorise its attachment and sale when endorsed by the Magistrate within whose local jurisdiction the property to be attached is found.
(3) No suit shall lie in respect of anything done in good faith under this section.
Corresponding Provision : Section 141 of Cr.PC., 1973