The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) is a comprehensive legislative Act designed to consolidate and amend the law relating to Criminal Procedure in India. This landmark Act received assent from the President of India on December 25, 2023, and will be enforced starting from July 1, 2024. The BNSS aims to modernize and streamline criminal procedures, ensuring a more efficient and effective justice system.
Structure of the Act
Chapter Structure: The Act’s XXXIX chapters cover various aspects of criminal procedure, from initial investigations to the execution of sentences.Schedule I: This schedule classifies offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, specifying whether an offence is cognizable or non-cognizable, bailable or non-bailable, and the court by which it is triable.Schedule II: This schedule includes 58 forms that are essential for the procedural operations under the BNSS.
Object and Need
Streamlining Procedures: By consolidating various laws, the BNSS aims to eliminate redundancies and ambiguities, leading to a more streamlined criminal justice process.Modernization: The Act introduces modern procedural practices, such as the use of technology in investigations and trials, which are crucial for a fast-paced, digitally connected society.Enhanced Efficiency: With clearer guidelines and structured procedures, the BNSS seeks to enhance the efficiency of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, ultimately leading to quicker and fairer justice delivery.
Related Resources
1. Index of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, (BNSS) – NCRB
Explore the detailed index of the BNSS 2023, provided by the National Crime Records Bureau, for an in-depth understanding of its structure and sections.Index of BNSS Available Here
2. Presentation on Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
A presentation that outlines the key features and changes introduced by the BNSS, available for download from the official government portal.Presentation on BNSS Available Here
3. BPR&D – Comparison summary BNSS to CrPC
A comparative summary by the Bureau of Police Research and Development, highlighting the differences between the BNSS and the previous Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).Comparison summary BNSS to CrPC, Available Here
4. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Preliminary Enquiry Under the BNSS
Detailed SOP for conducting preliminary enquiries under the BNSS, ensuring procedural consistency and legal compliance.SOP for Preliminary Enquiry, Available Here
5. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Zero FIR & e-FIR
Guidelines for filing Zero FIR and e-FIR, which are crucial for prompt and accessible justice delivery.SOP on Zero FIR & eFIR, Available Here
6. SOP of Audio Video Recording of Scene of Crime
Procedures for audio and video recording of crime scenes to ensure evidence integrity and transparency in investigations.SOP of Audio Video Recording, Available Here