CrPC to BNSS
CrPC Section 228 in BNSS: Section 251
Section 228 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Framing of charge) corresponds to Section 251 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
CrPC 228 and BNSS 251 at a glance
| CrPC (old) | BNSS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 228 | 251 |
| Heading | Framing of charge | Framing of charge |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What CrPC Section 228 covered
Requires a Court of Session, if after considering the record and hearing the parties it finds ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence, to frame a charge in writing, read and explain it, and ask whether the accused pleads guilty.
What changed in BNSS Section 251
BNSS Section 251 adds a time limit: the charge is to be framed within sixty days from the date of the first hearing on charge. It also allows the charge to be read and explained to an accused who is present through audio-video electronic means.
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 228: common questions
What is the new section for CrPC 228?
CrPC Section 228 (Framing of charge) corresponds to Section 251 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
What changed between CrPC 228 and BNSS 251?
BNSS Section 251 adds a time limit: the charge is to be framed within sixty days from the date of the first hearing on charge. It also allows the charge to be read and explained to an accused who is present through audio-video electronic means.
Does CrPC Section 228 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 207 to BNSS 230 · Supply of documents
- CrPC 309 to BNSS 346 · Adjournments
- CrPC 202 to BNSS 225 · Inquiry before process
- CrPC 313 to BNSS 351 · Examination of accused
- CrPC 200 to BNSS 223 · Private complaint
- CrPC 320 to BNSS 359 · Compounding
- CrPC 197 to BNSS 218 · Sanction to prosecute
- CrPC 353 to BNSS 392 · Judgment
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.