CrPC to BNSS
CrPC Section 200 in BNSS: Section 223
Section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Examination of complainant) corresponds to Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
CrPC 200 and BNSS 223 at a glance
| CrPC (old) | BNSS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 200 | 223 |
| Heading | Examination of complainant | Examination of complainant |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What CrPC Section 200 covered
Requires a Magistrate taking cognizance of an offence on a complaint to examine the complainant and the witnesses present on oath, and to reduce the substance of the examination to writing.
What changed in BNSS Section 223
BNSS Section 223(1) adds a proviso that no cognizance of an offence shall be taken by the Magistrate without giving the accused an opportunity of being heard. Section 223(2) adds safeguards for complaints against public servants. Courts are still settling how the pre-cognizance hearing works in practice, so check your High Court's position.
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 200: common questions
What is the new section for CrPC 200?
CrPC Section 200 (Examination of complainant) corresponds to Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
What changed between CrPC 200 and BNSS 223?
BNSS Section 223(1) adds a proviso that no cognizance of an offence shall be taken by the Magistrate without giving the accused an opportunity of being heard. Section 223(2) adds safeguards for complaints against public servants. Courts are still settling how the pre-cognizance hearing works in practice, so check your High Court's position.
Does CrPC Section 200 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 197 to BNSS 218 · Sanction to prosecute
- CrPC 202 to BNSS 225 · Inquiry before process
- CrPC 190 to BNSS 210 · Cognizance
- CrPC 207 to BNSS 230 · Supply of documents
- CrPC 228 to BNSS 251 · Framing of charge
- CrPC 309 to BNSS 346 · Adjournments
- CrPC 313 to BNSS 351 · Examination of accused
- CrPC 320 to BNSS 359 · Compounding
Map any section inside Settl
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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.