CrPC 149→BNSS 168

CrPC 149 to BNSS 168: Police to prevent cognizable offences

Section 149 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 168 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 149 →View BNSS Section 168 →

CrPC 149 to BNSS 168 at a Glance

Section 149 CrPC (Police to prevent cognizable offences) is now Section 168 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 149 to BNSS 168?

Section 168 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 149 CrPC.

CrPC 149 vs BNSS 168: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section149168
HeadingPolice to prevent cognizable offencesSame

CrPC 149 and BNSS 168: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 149, CrPC 1973

149. Police to prevent cognizable offences.—Every police officer may interpose for the purpose of preventing, and shall, to the best of his ability, prevent, the commission of any cognizable offence.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 168, BNSS 2023

168. Police to prevent cognizable offences.—Every police officer may interpose for the purpose of preventing, and shall, to the best of his ability, prevent, the commission of any cognizable offence.

When It Applies: CrPC 149 vs BNSS 168

Under CrPC 149
  1. Section 149 CrPC applies to every police officer.
  2. A police officer may interpose for the purpose of preventing the commission of any cognizable offence.
  3. A police officer shall, to the best of his ability, prevent the commission of any cognizable offence.
Under BNSS 168
  1. Section 168 BNSS applies to every police officer.
  2. A police officer may interpose for the purpose of preventing the commission of any cognizable offence.
  3. A police officer shall, to the best of his ability, prevent the commission of any cognizable offence.

What CrPC 149 to BNSS 168 Means in Practice

Section 149 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 168 BNSS. Both provide that every police officer may interpose for the purpose of preventing, and shall, to the best of his ability, prevent, the commission of any cognizable offence.

FAQs: CrPC 149 to BNSS 168

Where is Section 149 CrPC found in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

Section 149 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 168 BNSS.

Is the text of Section 168 BNSS the same as Section 149 CrPC?▼

Section 168 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 149 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 ·