Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Section 31

BNSS 31: earlier CrPC 37

Section 31 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaces Section 37 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. BNSS 31 deals with public when to assist Magistrates and police. 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 31 was CrPC 37.

Public when to assist Magistrates and police.

Carried over
94% of the old wording kept
Old · CrPC 1973 · Ch. IV
s. 37
Public when to assist Magistrates and police
Every person is bound to assist a Magistrate or police officer reasonably demanding his aid—
(a) in the taking or preventing the escape of any other person whom such Magistrate or police officer is authorised to arrest; or
(b) in the prevention or suppression of a breach of the peace; or
(c) in the prevention of any injury attempted to be committed to any railway, canal, telegraph or public property.
Text from the official India Code PDF
New · BNSS 2023 · Ch. IV
s. 31
Public when to assist Magistrates and police.
Every person is bound to assist a Magistrate or police officer reasonably demanding his aid—
(a) in the taking or preventing the escape of any other person whom such Magistrate or police officer is authorised to arrest; or
(b) in the prevention or suppression of a breach of the peace; or
(c) in the prevention of any injury attempted to be committed to any public property.
Text from India Code
Related sectionsCrPC 37 · Public when to assist Magistrates an…
BNSS 30 · Powers of superior officers of police.BNSS 32 · Aid to person, other than police officer, executing warrant.

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