CrPC to BNSS
CrPC Section 161 in BNSS: Section 180
Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Examination of witnesses by police) corresponds to Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
CrPC 161 and BNSS 180 at a glance
| CrPC (old) | BNSS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 161 | 180 |
| Heading | Examination of witnesses by police | Examination of witnesses by police |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What CrPC Section 161 covered
Empowers an investigating officer to examine orally any person supposed to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case, and to reduce the statement to writing.
What changed in BNSS Section 180
The provision is carried over in substantially the same terms. The statement may also be recorded by audio-video electronic means, and the statement of a woman against whom specified sexual offences are alleged is to be recorded by a woman police officer.
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 161: common questions
What is the new section for CrPC 161?
CrPC Section 161 (Examination of witnesses by police) corresponds to Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
What changed between CrPC 161 and BNSS 180?
The provision is carried over in substantially the same terms. The statement may also be recorded by audio-video electronic means, and the statement of a woman against whom specified sexual offences are alleged is to be recorded by a woman police officer.
Does CrPC Section 161 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 164 to BNSS 183 · Confession to Magistrate
- CrPC 154 to BNSS 173 · FIR
- CrPC 167 to BNSS 187 · Remand and default bail
- CrPC 173 to BNSS 193 · Chargesheet
- CrPC 41A to BNSS 35(3) · Notice of appearance
- 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.