What is CrPC 318 in BNSS?

CrPC 318 in BNSS: Section 357

Section 318 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 corresponds to Section 357 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. CrPC 318 deals with procedure where accused does not understand proceedings. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita came into force on 1 July 2024, replacing the CrPC. Both texts are set out below, side by side, with the changed words marked.

Code of Criminal Procedure

CrPC 318 is now BNSS 357.

Procedure where accused does not understand proceedings

Carried over

Old wording kept in full

Old · CrPC 1973 · Ch. XXIV

s. 318

Procedure where accused does not understand proceedings

If the accused, though not of unsound mind, cannot be made to understand the proceedings, the Court may proceed with the inquiry or trial; and, in the case of a Court other than a High Court, if such proceedings result in a conviction, the proceedings shall be forwarded to the High Court with a report of the circumstances of the case, and the High Court shall pass thereon such order as it thinks fit.

Text from the official India Code PDF

New · BNSS 2023 · Ch. XXVI

s. 357

Procedure where accused does not understand proceedings.

If the accused, though not a person of unsound mind, cannot be made to understand the proceedings, the Court may proceed with the inquiry or trial; and, in the case of a Court other than a High Court, if such proceedings result in a conviction, the proceedings shall be forwarded to the High Court with a report of the circumstances of the case, and the High Court shall pass thereon such order as it thinks fit.

Text from India Code