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The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 is a comprehensive legal framework aimed at overhauling India’s criminal justice system. It contains 39 chapters and 531 sections, which cover various aspects of criminal law, policing, judicial processes, and protection of citizens’ rights.
Here’s an overview of the BNSS 2023 sections in English, based on the key chapters:
Key Chapters and Sections in BNSS 2023
| Chapter Number | Chapter Name | Sections |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Preliminary (Definitions and Scope) | Sections 1–5 |
| Chapter 2 | Establishment of Criminal Courts and Offices | Sections 6–20 |
| Chapter 3 | Powers of Courts | Sections 21–29 |
| Chapter 4 | Powers of Police and Assistance by Magistrates | Sections 30–34 |
| Chapter 5 | Arrest Procedures | Sections 35–62 |
| Chapter 6 | Appearance and Summons Procedures | Sections 63–93 |
| Chapter 7 | Procedures for Presenting Evidence and Objects | Sections 94–110 |
| Chapter 8 | Maintenance of Public Order and Security Measures | Sections 111–124 |
| Chapter 9 | Maintenance Orders for Family and Maintenance Payments | Sections 125–147 |
| Chapter 10 | Public Peace and Order Regulations | Sections 148–167 |
| Chapter 11 | Police Preventive Actions | Sections 168–172 |
| Chapter 12 | Police Investigation Powers | Sections 173–196 |
| Chapter 13 | Magistrates’ Judicial Powers | Sections 197–209 |
| Chapter 14 | Pre-trial Procedures | Sections 210–222 |
| Chapter 15 | Complaints to Magistrates | Sections 223–226 |
| Chapter 16 | Magistrates’ Pre-trial Proceedings | Sections 227–233 |
| Chapter 17 | Framing of Charges | Sections 234–247 |
| Chapter 18 | Trial in Sessions Courts | Sections 248–260 |
| Chapter 19 | Warrants and Procedures for Sessions Courts | Sections 261–273 |
| Chapter 20 | Procedure for Summons in Magistrates’ Courts | Sections 274–282 |
| Chapter 21 | Summary Trials | Sections 283–288 |
| Chapter 22 | Plea Bargaining | Sections 289–300 |
| Chapter 23 | Detention and Mental Health Provisions | Sections 301–306 |
| Chapter 24 | Evidence in Investigation and Trials | Sections 307–336 |
| Chapter 25 | General Provisions for Investigation and Trial | Sections 337–366 |
| Chapter 26 | Provisions for Mentally Ill Defendants | Sections 367–378 |
| Chapter 27 | Crimes Affecting the Judicial Process | Sections 379–391 |
| Chapter 28 | Judgment and Sentencing | Sections 392–406 |
| Chapter 29 | Appeals and Reviews | Sections 413–435 |
| Chapter 30 | Transfers of Criminal Cases | Sections 436–452 |
| Chapter 31 | Execution of Sentences and Pardons | Sections 453–477 |
| Chapter 32 | Bail and Bond Provisions | Sections 478–496 |
| Chapter 33 | Disposal of Property in Criminal Cases | Sections 497–505 |
| Chapter 34 | Miscellaneous and Special Provisions | Sections 506–512 |
| Chapter 35 | Limitations on Taking Cognizance of Certain Crimes | Sections 513–519 |
| Chapter 36 | Various Provisions and Amendments | Sections 520–531 |
Some Key Highlights of BNSS 2023
- Arrest and Detention: New provisions ensure greater transparency and accountability in arrests, including the right to be informed of reasons for arrest and access to legal counsel.
- Plea Bargaining: A detailed framework for plea bargaining to expedite the justice process, ensuring fairer outcomes.
- Digital Evidence: Rules for handling digital evidence and electronic proceedings are included to modernize the criminal justice system.
- Police Powers: Enhanced authority for police to deal with crime prevention, but with safeguards to prevent misuse.
- Jail and Prisoner Welfare: Provisions for the care of prisoners, including mental health assessments and proper facilities.