Ravindra Khandelwal Explaining The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Size Guide

Part I – Introduction to the BNSS, 2023

1. Background and Legislative Purpose

   • Repeal of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

   • Need for reform and modernization

   • Objectives and salient features of BNSS

2. Structural Overview of BNSS, 2023

   • Chapters and total number of sections

   • Key procedural themes

   • Definitions and scope

3. Comparative Table: BNSS, 2023 vs. CrPC, 1973

   • Side-by-side mapping of old and new sections

   • Repealed, revised, and newly added provisions

Part II – Chapter-wise Commentary on BNSS, 2023

Chapter 1: Preliminary (Sections 1–3)

• Short title, extent, commencement

• Key definitions (e.g., electronic communication, digital evidence, victim, arrest)

Chapter 2: Constitution of Criminal Courts and Offices (Sections 4–23)

• Classification of criminal courts

• Powers and jurisdiction

Chapter 3: Powers of Courts (Sections 24–27)

• Sentencing powers and conferred authorities

Chapter 4: Aid to Magistrates and Police (Sections 28–31)

Part III – Pre-Trial Process

Chapter 5: Arrest and Processes (Sections 32–90)

• Arrest procedures with and without warrant

• Notice of appearance and handcuffing restrictions

• New safeguards for women, children, and vulnerable persons

• Police custody timelines (15 to 90 days)

Chapter 6: Information to Police & Investigation (Sections 91–171)

• FIR registration (including e-FIR)

• Preliminary inquiry provisions

• Role of forensic teams

• Timeline for investigation completion

Chapter 7: Jurisdiction and Cognizance (Sections 172–193)

• Trial jurisdiction of Magistrates and Sessions Courts

• Cognizance of offences by courts

Part IV – Trial and Court Proceedings

Chapter 8: Commencement of Proceedings (Sections 194–208)

• Complaints, summons, and warrants

• Service of summons via electronic means

Chapter 9: Bail and Bonds (Sections 209–227)

• Bailable and non-bailable offences

• Default bail provisions

• Bail for undertrial prisoners

Chapter 10: Disposal of Cases Without Trial (Sections 228–242)

• Plea bargaining

• Summary trials and compounding of offences

Chapter 11: Charge and Trial (Sections 243–312)

• Framing of charges

• Separate and joint trials

• Trial procedures in warrant, summons, and sessions cases

• Fast-track timelines

Part V – Evidence and Witnesses

Chapter 12: Evidence in Inquiries and Trials (Sections 313–345)

• Production and marking of documents

• Use of video-conferencing for evidence

• Protection and examination of witnesses

• Electronic evidence admissibility

Part VI – Judgment and Sentencing

Chapter 13: Judgment and Execution (Sections 346–374)

• Pronouncement and content of judgments

• Compensation to victims

• Sentence execution procedures

Part VII – Appeals and Reference

Chapter 14: Appeals, Review and Revision (Sections 375–423)

• Right to appeal

• Victim’s right to appeal against acquittal

• Revision and reference to higher courts

Part VIII – Preventive and Security Measures

Chapter 15–17: Preventive Actions (Sections 424–466)

• Security for keeping peace

• Preventive arrest

• Maintenance of public order

Part IX – Maintenance and Public Nuisance

Chapter 18–19 (Sections 467–495)

• Maintenance of wives, children, and parents

• Public nuisance and urgent cases

Part X – Miscellaneous Provisions

Chapter 20–25 (Sections 496–531)

• Provisions related to accused persons of unsound mind

• Disposal of property

• Irregular proceedings and limitation periods

• Legal aid and victim rights

• Transitional and repeal clauses

Part XI – Schedules and Forms

• First Schedule: Classification of Offences

• Second Schedule: Forms and Warrants

• Third Schedule: Summary of Bailable/Non-Bailable, Cognizable/Non-Cognizable Offences