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Below is the complete arrangement of sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 46 of 2023) as enacted — all 531 sections across 39 chapters, in force from 1 July 2024, replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Section numbers and marginal headings are reproduced verbatim from the Gazette text published by India Code ↗. The sections set out above are the ones our team has annotated for banking and cheque bounce practice, with the former CrPC section shown against each; rows marked Annotated in the index link back to that commentary.
Every section of BNSS 2023 in enacted order — 531 sections across 39 chapters. Section numbers and marginal headings are reproduced verbatim from the official arrangement of sections. Deep-link any provision directly, for example #s-531.
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) with effect from 1 July 2024. It governs the procedure for investigation, trial, and appeal in criminal cases. Key differences: (i) Timelines — trials must be completed within 3 years of cognizance, and judgments delivered within 45 days of concluding arguments; (ii) Technology — mandatory electronic processes, video conferencing for trials, electronic service of notices; (iii) Zero FIR — any police station must register an FIR regardless of jurisdiction; (iv) Forensic investigation — mandatory for offences punishable by 7+ years. Most section numbers have changed from CrPC, but the substantive law is largely retained.
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 46 of 2023) has 531 sections, arranged in 39 chapters. It runs from Section 1 (Short title, extent and commencement) in Chapter I — Preliminary, to Section 531 (Repeal and savings) in Chapter XXXIX — Miscellaneous. The complete arrangement of sections, with every section number and its enacted marginal heading set out chapter by chapter, is listed on this page.
The BNSS came into force on 1 July 2024, replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 in its entirety. It governs proceedings initiated on or after that date; matters already instituted under the CrPC before 1 July 2024 continue under the CrPC framework by virtue of the Sanhita's repeal and savings provision (Section 531).
Section 482 of the BNSS — "Direction for grant of bail to person apprehending arrest" — carries forward what was Section 438 of the CrPC, 1973. It sits in Chapter XXXV (Provisions as to Bail and Bonds). A person who has reason to believe he may be arrested on an accusation of a non-bailable offence may apply to the High Court or the Court of Session for a direction that, in the event of such arrest, he shall be released on bail. Note the numbering trap: under the BNSS, 482 is the anticipatory bail section, whereas Section 482 of the old CrPC was the High Court's inherent powers — that provision is now Section 528 BNSS.
Section 528 of the BNSS — "Saving of inherent powers of High Court" — carries forward Section 482 of the CrPC, 1973. It sits in Chapter XXXIX (Miscellaneous) and preserves the High Court's inherent power to make such orders as may be necessary to give effect to any order under the Sanhita, to prevent abuse of the process of any Court, or otherwise to secure the ends of justice. Quashing petitions that were formerly filed under Section 482 CrPC are now filed under Section 528 BNSS.
BNSS Section 528 (formerly CrPC Section 482) gives High Courts the power to quash FIRs and proceedings that are an abuse of process. This is frequently invoked in two scenarios: (i) Banks file Section 528 petitions to quash FIRs filed by disgruntled borrowers who are using criminal proceedings to pressure banks during SARFAESI enforcement — courts readily quash such FIRs when the dispute is purely civil; (ii) Borrowers or accused persons file Section 528 petitions to quash FIRs that are over-broad or where the conduct does not prima facie constitute a criminal offence. The petitioner must show either no cognisable offence is disclosed, or the proceedings are malicious.
Cases filed before 1 July 2024 under CrPC continue to be tried under the CrPC framework — the BNSS applies only to cases initiated on or after 1 July 2024. This is confirmed by the BNSS savings clause. However, bail provisions under BNSS S.479 (undertrial maximum detention) may have retrospective effect in certain circumstances, as held by the Supreme Court.
BNSS Section 173 (formerly CrPC S.154) retains the fundamental FIR registration requirement but adds significant enhancements for banking fraud cases. Key improvements: (i) Zero FIR — any police station must register an FIR for a cognisable banking fraud offence regardless of jurisdiction and must transfer it to the correct jurisdiction — this helps banks in multi-city fraud cases; (ii) Electronic filing — FIRs can now be filed online, with a digital copy immediately provided to the complainant; (iii) Mandatory recording reasons — in offences punishable by 7+ years, police must record reasons for arrest in writing before arresting. For banks, BNSS S.173 means the FIR registration process is more transparent and accountable.
BNSS Section 432 governs bail applications in lower courts (Magistrate courts) for non-bailable offences — this is the first port of call after arrest. The Magistrate can grant bail subject to conditions but cannot grant bail if the offence is punishable with death or life imprisonment (like BNS S.316(5) CBT by banker). Section 439 gives the High Court and Sessions Court special powers to grant, refuse, or cancel bail in any case. In banking fraud (CBT under BNS S.316: 3 years, non-bailable), the accused first applies to the Magistrate under S.432. If refused, they approach the Sessions Court or High Court under S.439. Anticipatory bail (S.482) — before arrest — must be sought directly before the Sessions Court or High Court.
Plea bargaining under BNSS Chapter XXIII (Section 290) is available for offences carrying imprisonment up to 7 years — such as cheating under BNS S.318. It is NOT available for offences punishable with death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment exceeding 7 years, such as criminal breach of trust by a banker under BNS S.316(5) (up to life imprisonment). In cheque bounce cases under NI Act S.138 (maximum 2 years), plea bargaining is very commonly used — the drawer agrees to pay the cheque amount plus interest in full, and the court imposes a nominal fine or suspended sentence. The complainant-bank or creditor must also consent to the plea bargain for it to be valid. This provides a faster resolution without a full trial.
For guidance on BNSS procedure in cheque bounce prosecutions, banking fraud trials, or anticipatory bail applications, our team at Unified Chambers and Associates can assist.