CrPC to BNSS
CrPC Section 154 in BNSS: Section 173
Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Information in cognizable cases) corresponds to Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
CrPC 154 and BNSS 173 at a glance
| CrPC (old) | BNSS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 154 | 173 |
| Heading | Information in cognizable cases | Information in cognizable cases |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What CrPC Section 154 covered
Governs the recording of the first information report. Information about a cognizable offence given to the officer in charge of a police station must be reduced to writing, signed by the informant, and a copy given free of cost.
What changed in BNSS Section 173
BNSS Section 173 makes three changes. Information may be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed (zero FIR). It may be given by electronic communication, to be signed by the informant within three days. And for offences punishable with three years or more but less than seven, the officer may, with permission of an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, conduct a preliminary enquiry within fourteen days.
Which law applies: CrPC or BNSS?
The BNSS came into force on 1 July 2024. Under Section 531 of the BNSS, an appeal, application, trial, inquiry or investigation that was pending immediately before that date is to be disposed of, continued, held or made under the CrPC as if the BNSS had not come into force. Courts have had to decide how this applies to cases that straddle the date, so check current case law for your facts.
Read the full text of both provisions before you cite them. The official bare acts are published on India Code.
CrPC 154: common questions
What is the new section for CrPC 154?
CrPC Section 154 (Information in cognizable cases) corresponds to Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
What changed between CrPC 154 and BNSS 173?
BNSS Section 173 makes three changes. Information may be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed (zero FIR). It may be given by electronic communication, to be signed by the informant within three days. And for offences punishable with three years or more but less than seven, the officer may, with permission of an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, conduct a preliminary enquiry within fourteen days.
Does CrPC Section 154 still apply to older cases?
The BNSS came into force on 1 July 2024. Under Section 531 of the BNSS, an appeal, application, trial, inquiry or investigation that was pending immediately before that date is to be disposed of, continued, held or made under the CrPC as if the BNSS had not come into force. Courts have had to decide how this applies to cases that straddle the date, so check current case law for your facts.
Related CrPC sections
- CrPC 156 to BNSS 175 · Order to investigate
- CrPC 161 to BNSS 180 · Police statements
- CrPC 41A to BNSS 35(3) · Notice of appearance
- CrPC 164 to BNSS 183 · Confession to Magistrate
- CrPC 41 to BNSS 35 · Arrest without warrant
- CrPC 167 to BNSS 187 · Remand and default bail
- CrPC 173 to BNSS 193 · Chargesheet
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Not legal advice. This comparison is a research starting point. A mapped section is not proof that two provisions are identical. Read both bare acts, check commencement and any later amendment, and have a qualified advocate review anything you intend to rely on. Settl is not a law firm.