CrPC 18→NO BNSS SECTION

CrPC 18: Special Metropolitan Magistrates, No Corresponding BNSS Section

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has no section corresponding to Section 18 CrPC.

What Happened to CrPC 18?

Section 18 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 empowered the High Court, if requested by the Central or State Government, to confer all or any of the powers of a Metropolitan Magistrate on a person who holds or has held any post under the Government as a Special Metropolitan Magistrate. The official comparison tables list no section of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for Section 18 CrPC, and the Sanhita has no section in its place.

CrPC 18 Has No Corresponding BNSS Section

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 from 1 July 2024. The official comparison tables list no section of the Sanhita for Section 18 CrPC (Special Metropolitan Magistrates).

Time Limits: CrPC 18

Under CrPC 18
  • A Special Metropolitan Magistrate shall be appointed under Section 18(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for a term not exceeding one year at a time, as the High Court may direct by general or special order.Act text: “appointed for such term, not exceeding one year at a time, as the High Court may, by general or special order, direct.”

What CrPC 18 Means in Practice

From 1 July 2024, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has no section in place of Section 18 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The Sanhita therefore contains no corresponding provision under which the High Court, on a request from the Central or State Government, may confer the powers of a Metropolitan Magistrate on a person as a Special Metropolitan Magistrate.

FAQs: CrPC 18

Does the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 have a section corresponding to Section 18 CrPC?▼

No. The official comparison tables between the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 list no BNSS section for Section 18 CrPC. From 1 July 2024, the Sanhita has no section in place of Section 18 CrPC, which previously provided for the appointment and powers of Special Metropolitan Magistrates.

What powers did Section 18 CrPC provide before 1 July 2024 that have no section in place under the BNSS?▼

Until 30 June 2024, Section 18 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 allowed the High Court, if requested by the Central or State Government, to confer all or any of the powers of a Metropolitan Magistrate on an eligible person who holds or has held any post under the Government as a Special Metropolitan Magistrate. From 1 July 2024, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has no section in place of Section 18 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: 27 Oct 2026 ·