The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 from 1 July 2024. It governs FIRs, arrest, investigation, bail and trials. Cases registered before that date generally continue under the CrPC. Below are the sections people search for most, with the old CrPC number so older judgments and FIRs can be read side by side.
Reviewed against official texts · Last updated October 2026
28 of 28 key sections
Police may arrest without warrant only on listed grounds. For offences punishable up to 7 years, police must record reasons and generally issue a notice of appearance (Section 35(3)) instead of arresting.
Sets the manner of arrest. Section 43(3) allows handcuffs only for specified categories such as habitual or repeat offenders and those who escaped custody.
The arrested person must be told the full grounds of arrest and, for bailable offences, that they may be released on bail.
Police must inform a nominated relative or friend about the arrest and place of detention, and record it.
A person arrested without warrant cannot be held more than 24 hours (excluding journey time) without being produced before a Magistrate.
Prohibitory orders by an Executive Magistrate, popularly called "Section 144" orders.
Magistrate may order monthly maintenance for a wife, children or parents unable to maintain themselves.
Information about a cognizable offence must be registered irrespective of where the offence occurred (Zero FIR), and may be given electronically. For offences punishable 3 to 7 years, a preliminary enquiry of up to 14 days is permitted (Section 173(3)). If refused, the informant may approach the Superintendent of Police (Section 173(4)).
Section 175(3) allows a Magistrate to order investigation on an application supported by an affidavit, after considering the application made to the SP.
For offences punishable with 7 years or more, a forensic expert must visit the crime scene and collect evidence (Section 176(3)).
Police may record statements of witnesses; these may also be recorded by audio-video electronic means.
Recording of confessions and statements by a Magistrate, with safeguards and audio-video recording.
Total detention during investigation is limited to 90 days (offences punishable with death, life or 10+ years) or 60 days (other offences). If the charge-sheet is not filed in time, the accused is entitled to default bail.
Investigation must be completed without delay; the police must inform the victim/informant of progress within 90 days.
Magistrate examines the complainant; cognizance cannot be taken without giving the accused an opportunity of being heard.
Application for discharge may be filed within 60 days from committal.
Proceedings should continue day-to-day; adjournments only for recorded reasons and limited to two at a party’s request.
Allows trial and judgment in the absence of a proclaimed offender who has absconded to evade trial, with safeguards.
Judgment should be pronounced within 45 days of completion of trial.
Appeals to the Sessions Court, High Court or Supreme Court depending on the trial court.
High Court or Sessions Judge may call for records to check correctness, legality or propriety of any order.
A person accused of a bailable offence has a right to be released on bail.
An undertrial who has served half of the maximum sentence must be released on bond; a first-time offender after one-third. Not available for offences punishable with death or life imprisonment.
Court other than High Court or Sessions Court may grant bail in non-bailable offences subject to restrictions.
High Court or Sessions Court may direct release on bail in the event of arrest for a non-bailable offence.
Wider bail powers, including setting aside or modifying conditions imposed by a Magistrate.
High Court may make orders to prevent abuse of process or secure the ends of justice, including quashing of FIRs.
Trials, inquiries and proceedings, including summons and evidence, may be held in electronic mode.
This page explains the law in general terms and is not legal advice. Rates, sections and timelines are taken from official texts; confirm the current position for your facts with an advocate before acting.
Criminal timelines are strict, and the right section number changes your remedy. You can BNS section explorer with IPC equivalents, compare options through our anticipatory bail lawyers, or go straight to court deadline calculator. Always cross-check rules on the Supreme Court of India judgments and the India Code for official Bare Acts before you act.
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