Important BNSS Provisions Every Law Student Should Study

Criminal procedure governs how the police investigate, how magistrates take cognizance, and how courts conduct trials. BNSS 2023 modernizes this pipeline with time-bound procedural mandates.

### 1. Arrest & Preventive Action - Section 35 (Old Sec 41): Police arrest powers without warrant; prior permission of DSP required for offenses under 3 years where accused is infirm or over 60. - Section 37: Designated police officer in every district to maintain information about arrested persons. ### 2. Search, Seizure & Investigation - Section 105: Audio-video electronic recording of search and seizure. - Section 173 (Old Sec 154): Zero FIR and e-FIR registration. - Section 176(3): Mandatory forensic investigation for offenses punishable with 7+ years. - Section 187 (Old Sec 167): Police custody & judicial remand rules up to 60/90 days. ### 3. Cognizance & Framing of Charge - Section 210 (Old Sec 190): Cognizance of offenses by Magistrates. - Section 234–247: Charge framing, joinder of charges, and trial before Court of Session. ### 4. Plea Bargaining & Trials - Section 313–323: Plea bargaining mechanism. - Section 258: Judgment must be pronounced within 30 days of argument conclusion. ### 5. Bail & Revision Jurisdictions - Section 479: Undertrial prisoner bail (1/3rd term for first-time offenders). - Section 480: Bail in non-bailable offenses before Magistrate. - Section 482: Direction for grant of bail to person apprehending arrest (Anticipatory Bail).