Free CrPC ↔ BNSS Section Converter

CrPC to BNSS Section Converter

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) as the principal procedural criminal law framework in India from 1 July 2024. Lawyers, law students, judges, investigators, prosecutors and litigants frequently need to identify the corresponding BNSS provision when referring to an older CrPC section.

This free CrPC to BNSS converter is designed as a quick legal research aid. Enter a CrPC section to locate the corresponding BNSS provision, or switch the tool to BNSS → CrPC when you are working with a current proceeding and need to understand the corresponding provision under the former procedural code.

The converter supports common criminal-procedure provisions including arrest, bail, anticipatory bail, FIR registration, investigation, remand, statements, confessions, charge sheets, cognizance, complaints, summons cases, warrant cases, appeals, revisions, inherent powers and maintenance proceedings. It also identifies provisions that are marked as changed, newly introduced, deleted or otherwise requiring careful comparison.

Why use a CrPC–BNSS converter?

Legal documents, older judgments, precedents, case files and reported decisions continue to contain CrPC references. At the same time, applications and proceedings under the current criminal procedure framework may need BNSS references. A section-number converter helps bridge that terminology gap during legal research and drafting.

However, a corresponding-section number should not automatically be treated as proof that the provisions are textually identical. Several BNSS provisions modify, restructure or expand provisions that existed under the CrPC. Some BNSS provisions are entirely new, while certain CrPC provisions have been deleted or reorganised. Therefore, the actual statutory text should always be checked before preparing a petition, application, notice, opinion or legal submission.

Important examples

• CrPC Section 438 corresponds to BNSS Section 482 for anticipatory bail.
• CrPC Section 125 corresponds to BNSS Section 144 for maintenance.
• CrPC Section 154 corresponds to BNSS Section 173 regarding information in cognizable cases.
• CrPC Section 167 corresponds to BNSS Section 187 concerning investigation where it cannot be completed within 24 hours.
• CrPC Section 190 corresponds to BNSS Section 210 concerning cognizance by Magistrates.
• CrPC Section 482 corresponds to BNSS Section 528 concerning the inherent powers of the High Court.

Is the CrPC still relevant?

Although BNSS is now the principal procedural criminal statute, CrPC references remain important when researching historical proceedings, older judgments, precedent, transitional issues and documents drafted before the new criminal laws came into force. The correct correspondence therefore depends not only on the numerical section but also on the nature and date of the proceeding.

Legal research disclaimer

This tool is provided for general legal research and convenience. It is not a substitute for the enacted statutory text, applicable rules, notifications, judicial interpretation or professional legal advice. Always verify the provision against the current law before relying upon it in court proceedings or legal documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions