Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Section 278

BNSS 278: earlier CrPC 255

Section 278 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaces Section 255 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. BNSS 278 deals with acquittal or conviction. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita came into force on 1 July 2024. Both texts are set out below, side by side, with the changed words marked.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

BNSS 278 was CrPC 255.

Acquittal or conviction.

Carried over
96% of the old wording kept
Old · CrPC 1973 · Ch. XX
s. 255
Acquittal or conviction
(1) If the Magistrate, upon taking the evidence referred to in section 254 and such further evidence, if any, as he may, of his own motion, cause to be produced, finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal.
(2) Where the Magistrate does not proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 325 or section 360, he shall, if he finds the accused guilty, pass sentence upon him according to law.
(3) A Magistrate may, under section 252 or section 255, convict the accused of any offence triable under this Chapter, which from the facts admitted or proved he appears to have committed, whatever may be the nature of the complaint or summons, if the Magistrate is satisfied that the accused would not be prejudiced thereby.
Text from the official India Code PDF
New · BNSS 2023 · Ch. XXI
s. 278
Acquittal or conviction.
(1) If the Magistrate, upon taking the evidence referred to in section 277 and such further evidence, if any, as he may, of his own motion, cause to be produced, finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal.
(2) Where the Magistrate does not proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 364 or section 401, he shall, if he finds the accused guilty, pass sentence upon him according to law.
(3) A Magistrate may, under section 275 or section 278, convict the accused of any offence triable under this Chapter, which from the facts admitted or proved he appears to have committed, whatever may be the nature of the complaint or summons, if the Magistrate is satisfied that the accused would not be prejudiced thereby.
Text from India Code

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