CrPC to BNSS
CrPC Section 309 in BNSS: Section 346
Section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Power to postpone or adjourn proceedings) corresponds to Section 346 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
CrPC 309 and BNSS 346 at a glance
| CrPC (old) | BNSS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 309 | 346 |
| Heading | Power to postpone or adjourn proceedings | Power to postpone or adjourn proceedings |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What CrPC Section 309 covered
Requires inquiries and trials to be held from day to day until all witnesses in attendance have been examined, and regulates when a court may postpone or adjourn proceedings.
What changed in BNSS Section 346
BNSS Section 346 adds that where the circumstances are beyond the control of a party, not more than two adjournments may be granted by the court after hearing the objections of the other party and recording reasons.
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 309: common questions
What is the new section for CrPC 309?
CrPC Section 309 (Power to postpone or adjourn proceedings) corresponds to Section 346 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
What changed between CrPC 309 and BNSS 346?
BNSS Section 346 adds that where the circumstances are beyond the control of a party, not more than two adjournments may be granted by the court after hearing the objections of the other party and recording reasons.
Does CrPC Section 309 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 228 to BNSS 251 · Framing of charge
- CrPC 313 to BNSS 351 · Examination of accused
- CrPC 207 to BNSS 230 · Supply of documents
- CrPC 320 to BNSS 359 · Compounding
- CrPC 202 to BNSS 225 · Inquiry before process
- CrPC 353 to BNSS 392 · Judgment
- CrPC 200 to BNSS 223 · Private complaint
- CrPC 197 to BNSS 218 · Sanction to prosecute
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.