CrPC to BNSS Conversion Table: Old vs New Sections and Changes

The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 was replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) on 1 July 2024. Key pairs: FIR under Section 154 CrPC is now Section 173 BNSS, anticipatory bail under 438 is now 482, inherent powers under 482 are now 528, and maintenance under 125 is now 144. The tables below map the most used CrPC sections and list the main procedural changes.

The BNSS has 531 sections against 484 in the CrPC. Most of the Code was renumbered with limited change, but the BNSS adds several new mechanisms: Zero FIR and e-FIR, compulsory videography of search and seizure, forensic visits for serious offences, fixed timelines for charge and judgment, trial in absentia of proclaimed offenders, and electronic trials.

Which law applies to your case

Section 531(2) BNSS saves the old Code for proceedings already pending. Any appeal, application, trial, inquiry or investigation pending on 1 July 2024 continues under the CrPC. Proceedings that start on or after that date follow the BNSS, even if the offence was committed earlier under the IPC. In Parvinder Singh v. Directorate of Enforcement (2026), the Supreme Court held that merely numbering a complaint before 1 July 2024 was a ministerial act, not a pending “inquiry”, so the BNSS applied to cognizance taken afterwards.

Courts, arrest and appearance

Search, seizure and preventive action

FIR and investigation

Cognizance, complaints and trial

Victims, sentence, appeal and revision

Bail, property and miscellaneous

Main new features of the BNSS

• Zero FIR (Section 173(1)): information about a cognizable offence can be given at any police station, whatever the place of the offence. The station registers it and transfers it to the police station with jurisdiction.
• e-FIR (Section 173(1)): information may be given by electronic communication. It is taken on record once the informant signs it within three days.
• Free copy of FIR (Section 173(2)): the informant or victim must get a copy at once, free of cost.
• Preliminary enquiry (Section 173(3)): for offences punishable with 3 years or more but under 7 years, the officer may, with permission of a DSP or higher officer, hold a preliminary enquiry within 14 days to see if a prima facie case exists.
• Videography of search and seizure (Sections 105 and 185): the process, including the preparation of the seizure list, must be recorded by audio-video means, preferably on a mobile phone.
• Forensics (Section 176(3)): for offences punishable with 7 years or more, a forensic expert must visit the crime scene and the process must be videographed.
• Police custody in parts (Section 187): the 15 days of police custody can be sought at any time during the first 40 days of detention (offences with a 60-day investigation limit) or the first 60 days (offences with a 90-day limit, that is, those punishable with death, life or 10 years or more).
• Timelines: discharge application within 60 days of committal (250), charge within 60 days of first hearing (251), judgment within an outer limit of 45 days after arguments (258), plea bargaining application within 30 days of charge (289), victim to be told of progress within 90 days (193).
• Trial in absentia (Section 356): a proclaimed offender who absconds to evade trial, with no immediate prospect of arrest, can be tried and convicted in absence. Trial can start only after 90 days from framing of charge, and no appeal lies unless the offender appears before the appellate court.
• Hearing before cognizance (Section 223): on a private complaint, the Magistrate must hear the accused before taking cognizance.
• Electronic proceedings (Section 530): trials, inquiries, summons, evidence recording and appearance of accused may be held electronically.
• Undertrial release (Section 479): a first-time offender gets bail on completing one-third of the maximum sentence.
• Proceeds of crime (Section 107): police can, with SP or Commissioner’s approval, seek a Magistrate’s order to attach property derived from crime.

Important case law to read with the BNSS

Lalita Kumari v. Government of U.P. (2013): registration of an FIR is mandatory when information discloses a cognizable offence, with preliminary enquiry allowed only in limited categories. Section 173(3) BNSS now gives a statutory preliminary enquiry for the 3 to 7 year band.

Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014): police must not arrest mechanically in offences punishable up to 7 years and must follow the notice of appearance route. That safeguard, earlier in Section 41A CrPC, is now inside Section 35 BNSS.

Parvinder Singh v. Directorate of Enforcement (2026): the Supreme Court held the proviso to Section 223(1) BNSS mandatory. Cognizance taken on a complaint without first hearing the accused is void, and the accused need not show prejudice.

Common confusions

482 CrPC and 482 BNSS are different. Inherent powers of the High Court (old 482) are now Section 528. Section 482 BNSS is anticipatory bail (old 438). Petitions are now titled “application under Section 528 BNSS”.

144 CrPC and 144 BNSS are different. Prohibitory orders (old 144) are now Section 163. Section 144 BNSS is maintenance (old 125).

173 CrPC and 173 BNSS are different. The charge sheet (old 173) is now Section 193. Section 173 BNSS is the FIR provision (old 154).

Exam angle

• The BNSS has 531 sections. Know the commencement date of 1 July 2024 and the savings clause in Section 531.
• Learn the bail block: 478 (bailable), 479 (undertrial), 480 (non-bailable), 482 (anticipatory), 483 (special powers).
• Timelines are favourite MCQs: 3 days for signing e-FIR, 14 days for preliminary enquiry, 48 hours to send search record, 7 days for medical report of rape victim, 60, 45 and 30 day trial limits.
• Trial in absentia applies only to proclaimed offenders, and proclaimed offender status now covers offences punishable with 10 years or more.
• Videography: search (185), seizure (105) and forensic scene visit (176(3)).

Frequently asked questions

What is Section 154 CrPC in BNSS?

Section 173 BNSS. It now also recognises Zero FIR, e-FIR and a preliminary enquiry for offences punishable with 3 to under 7 years.

What is the new section for anticipatory bail?

Section 482 BNSS, which replaces Section 438 CrPC.

Where is Section 482 CrPC (quashing) now?

Section 528 BNSS saves the inherent powers of the High Court, including quashing of FIRs and proceedings.

What is Section 125 CrPC maintenance in BNSS?

Section 144 BNSS covers maintenance of wives, children and parents.

Can an FIR be filed online under BNSS?

Yes. Section 173(1) allows information by electronic communication, which is taken on record when the informant signs it within three days.

Does CrPC still apply to old cases?

Yes. Under Section 531(2) BNSS, investigations, inquiries, trials, appeals and applications pending on 1 July 2024 continue under the CrPC.

Quick quiz

Sources

• The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Act 46 of 2023), Gazette of India
• Ministry of Home Affairs and PIB material on the new criminal laws: BNSS to CrPC comparison and key changes
• Parvinder Singh v. Directorate of Enforcement (Supreme Court, 2026)
• Lalita Kumari v. Government of U.P. (2013); Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014), Supreme Court of India

This page is for education and general information, not legal advice for a specific case.