Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Section 274

BNSS 274: earlier CrPC 251

Section 274 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaces Section 251 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. BNSS 274 deals with substance of accusation to be stated. The NCRB table marks it as changed. Compare the wording below. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita came into force on 1 July 2024.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

BNSS 274 was CrPC 251.

Substance of accusation to be stated. · The NCRB table marks it as changed. Compare the wording below.

Modified
Old wording kept in full
Old · CrPC 1973 · Ch. XX
s. 251
Substance of accusation to be stated
When in a summons-case the accused appears or is brought before the Magistrate, the particulars of the offence of which he is accused shall be stated to him, and he shall be asked whether he pleads guilty or has any defence to make, but it shall not be necessary to frame a formal charge.
Text from the official India Code PDF
New · BNSS 2023 · Ch. XXI
s. 274
Substance of accusation to be stated.
When in a summons-case the accused appears or is brought before the Magistrate, the particulars of the offence of which he is accused shall be stated to him, and he shall be asked whether he pleads guilty or has any defence to make, but it shall not be necessary to frame a formal charge:
Provided that if the Magistrate considers the accusation as groundless, he shall, after recording reasons in writing, release the accused and such release shall have the effect of discharge.
Text from India Code

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