On 1 July 2024, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Section 154 is no longer FIR; Section 438 is no longer anticipatory bail. This is a quick-reference conversion table for the provisions you will use most, and a companion to our IPC→BNS and Evidence Act→BSA guides.
How big is the change?
The CrPC had 484 sections; the BNSS has 531. Every number has changed, and the BNSS adds new procedure: statutory Zero FIR, e-FIR, strict timelines, mandatory forensics, and electronic and in-absentia trials.
The golden rule of transition
Offences on or before 30 June 2024 are dealt with under the CrPC; offences on or after 1 July 2024 follow the BNSS. Both run in parallel in the courts.
CrPC → BNSS quick reference table
| Provision | CrPC | BNSS |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of FIR | 154 | 173 |
| Statement recorded by Magistrate | 164 | 183 |
| Summons to produce a document/device | 91 | 94 |
| Police report (charge sheet) | 173 | 193 |
| Remand / police custody | 167 | 187 |
| Maintenance of wife, children, parents | 125 | 144 |
| Prohibitory orders | 144 | 163 |
| Max detention of undertrial (default release) | 436A | 479 |
| Bail in non-bailable offences | 437 | 480 |
| Anticipatory bail | 438 | 482 |
| Special powers re bail (HC/Sessions) | 439 | 483 |
| Inherent powers of the High Court | 482 | 528 |
Exam trap: inherent powers moved from 482 CrPC to 528 BNSS, while anticipatory bail moved from 438 CrPC to 482 BNSS. The number 482 now means something completely different.
What’s genuinely new in the BNSS
- Zero FIR (S.173) — file at any police station.
- e-FIR (S.173) — electronic filing, signed within 3 days.
- Preliminary enquiry (S.173(3)) for 3 to under 7-year offences.
- Mandatory forensics (S.176(3)) for 7-year+ offences, with videography.
- Audio-video recording of search and seizure (S.105).
- Electronic summons (S.94) and electronic/in-absentia trials.
- Victim update within 90 days (S.193(3)).
- Default bail for first-time undertrials after one-third of the maximum sentence (S.479).
For your preparation
Criminal-procedure papers and judicial-service syllabi (Delhi HJS, Haryana, UP and others) are now framed on the BNSS. Cite the BNSS section first, with the old CrPC section in brackets where it helps.
Prepare with Allahabad Law Agency: our New Criminal Laws range includes the BNSS, BNS and BSA bare acts and student editions, printed with the CrPC-to-BNSS concordance. Browse it on allahabadlawagency.com.
FAQ
Section 438 CrPC in the BNSS? Anticipatory bail is now Section 482 BNSS.
Section 154 CrPC? FIR registration is now Section 173 BNSS.
What replaced Section 482 CrPC (inherent powers)? Section 528 BNSS.
How many sections in the BNSS? 531 (vs 484 in the CrPC).
Disclaimer: For educational and exam-preparation purposes only; not legal advice. Several provisions are subject to state notifications and developing case law. Always rely on the current bare act.
