CrPC to BNSS
CrPC Section 156 in BNSS: Section 175
Section 156 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Police officer's power to investigate cognizable case) corresponds to Section 175 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
CrPC 156 and BNSS 175 at a glance
| CrPC (old) | BNSS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 156 | 175 |
| Heading | Police officer's power to investigate cognizable case | Police officer's power to investigate cognizable case |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What CrPC Section 156 covered
Empowers the officer in charge of a police station to investigate a cognizable case without a Magistrate's order, and under sub-section (3) empowers a Magistrate to order such an investigation.
What changed in BNSS Section 175
Under BNSS Section 175(3) a Magistrate may order investigation only after considering an application supported by an affidavit made under Section 173(4), making such inquiry as he thinks necessary, and considering the submission of the police officer. Section 175(4) adds a procedure for complaints against public servants arising from official duties.
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 156: common questions
What is the new section for CrPC 156?
CrPC Section 156 (Police officer's power to investigate cognizable case) corresponds to Section 175 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
What changed between CrPC 156 and BNSS 175?
Under BNSS Section 175(3) a Magistrate may order investigation only after considering an application supported by an affidavit made under Section 173(4), making such inquiry as he thinks necessary, and considering the submission of the police officer. Section 175(4) adds a procedure for complaints against public servants arising from official duties.
Does CrPC Section 156 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 154 to BNSS 173 · FIR
- CrPC 161 to BNSS 180 · Police statements
- CrPC 164 to BNSS 183 · Confession to Magistrate
- CrPC 167 to BNSS 187 · Remand and default bail
- CrPC 41A to BNSS 35(3) · Notice of appearance
- CrPC 173 to BNSS 193 · Chargesheet
- CrPC 41 to BNSS 35 · Arrest without warrant
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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.