CrPC 159→BNSS 178

CrPC 159 to BNSS 178: Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry

Section 159 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 178 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 159 →View BNSS Section 178 →

CrPC 159 to BNSS 178 at a Glance

Section 159 CrPC (Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry) is now Section 178 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 159 to BNSS 178?

Section 178 BNSS has the same heading as Section 159 CrPC. Section 178 BNSS reads a report under section 176 where Section 159 CrPC read such report. Section 178 BNSS refers to the manner provided in this Sanhita where Section 159 CrPC referred to the manner provided in this Code. The rest of the text is the same.

CrPC 159 vs BNSS 178: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section159178
HeadingPower to hold investigation or preliminary inquirySame

CrPC 159 and BNSS 178: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 159, CrPC 1973

159. Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry.—Such Magistrate, on receiving such report, may direct an investigation, or, if he thinks fit, at once proceed, or depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to proceed, to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case in the manner provided in this Code.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 178, BNSS 2023

178. Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry.—The Magistrate, on receiving a report under section 176, may direct an investigation, or, if he thinks fit, at once proceed, or depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to proceed, to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case in the manner provided in this Sanhita.

When It Applies: CrPC 159 vs BNSS 178

Under CrPC 159
  1. Such Magistrate, on receiving such report, may direct an investigation.
  2. If he thinks fit, the Magistrate may at once proceed to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case.
  3. The Magistrate may instead depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to proceed to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case.
  4. The preliminary inquiry or disposal of the case is in the manner provided in this Code.
Under BNSS 178
  1. The Magistrate, on receiving a report under Section 176 BNSS, may direct an investigation.
  2. If he thinks fit, the Magistrate may at once proceed to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case.
  3. The Magistrate may instead depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to proceed to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case.
  4. The preliminary inquiry or disposal of the case is in the manner provided in this Sanhita.

What CrPC 159 to BNSS 178 Means in Practice

From 1 July 2024, the power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry is read in Section 178 BNSS in place of Section 159 CrPC. Section 178 BNSS names a report under section 176 and refers to the manner provided in this Sanhita.

FAQs: CrPC 159 to BNSS 178

Which report does Section 178 BNSS name that Section 159 CrPC does not name?▼

Section 178 BNSS names a report under section 176. Section 159 CrPC read on receiving such report.

What changed in the manner of holding the inquiry between Section 159 CrPC and Section 178 BNSS?▼

Section 178 BNSS refers to the manner provided in this Sanhita. Section 159 CrPC referred to the manner provided in this Code.

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: 26 Oct 2026 ·