CrPC 139→BNSS 158

CrPC 139 to BNSS 158: Power of Magistrate to direct local investigation and examination of an expert

Section 139 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 158 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 139 →View BNSS Section 158 →

CrPC 139 to BNSS 158 at a Glance

Section 139 CrPC (Power of Magistrate to direct local investigation and examination of an expert) is now Section 158 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 139 to BNSS 158?

Section 158 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 139 CrPC. Section 158 BNSS refers to Section 156 BNSS and Section 157 BNSS where Section 139 CrPC referred to Section 137 CrPC and Section 138 CrPC.

CrPC 139 vs BNSS 158: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section139158
HeadingPower of Magistrate to direct local investigation and examination of an expertSame
Cross-referencess.137s.156

CrPC 139 and BNSS 158: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 139, CrPC 1973

139. Power of Magistrate to direct local investigation and examination of an expert.—The Magistrate may, for the purposes of an inquiry under section 137 or section 138— (a) direct a local investigation to be made by such person as he thinks fit; or (b) summon and examine an expert.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 158, BNSS 2023

158. Power of Magistrate to direct local investigation and examination of an expert.—The Magistrate may, for the purposes of an inquiry under section 156 or section 157— (a) direct a local investigation to be made by such person as he thinks fit; or (b) summon and examine an expert.

When It Applies: CrPC 139 vs BNSS 158

Under CrPC 139
  1. Section 139 CrPC applies for the purposes of an inquiry under Section 137 CrPC or Section 138 CrPC.
  2. The Magistrate may direct a local investigation to be made by such person as the Magistrate thinks fit.
  3. The Magistrate may instead summon and examine an expert.
Under BNSS 158
  1. Section 158 BNSS applies for the purposes of an inquiry under Section 156 BNSS or Section 157 BNSS.
  2. The Magistrate may direct a local investigation to be made by such person as the Magistrate thinks fit.
  3. The Magistrate may instead summon and examine an expert.

What CrPC 139 to BNSS 158 Means in Practice

Section 139 CrPC has no sub-sections and is found as a whole in Section 158 BNSS. Both provide that the Magistrate may, for the purposes of an inquiry, direct a local investigation or summon and examine an expert.

FAQs: CrPC 139 to BNSS 158

Where is Section 139 CrPC found in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

Section 139 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 158 BNSS.

Is the text of Section 158 BNSS the same as Section 139 CrPC?▼

Section 158 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 139 CrPC, except that Section 158 BNSS refers to Section 156 BNSS and Section 157 BNSS where Section 139 CrPC referred to Section 137 CrPC and Section 138 CrPC.

Which sections does Section 158 BNSS refer to?▼

Section 158 BNSS refers to Section 156 BNSS and Section 157 BNSS. Section 139 CrPC referred to Section 137 CrPC and Section 138 CrPC.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 · Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 20 Oct 2026 ·