CrPC 203→BNSS 226

CrPC 203 to BNSS 226: Dismissal of complaint

Section 203 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 226 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 203 →View BNSS Section 226 →

CrPC 203 to BNSS 226 at a Glance

Section 203 CrPC (Dismissal of complaint) is now Section 226 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 203 to BNSS 226?

Section 203 CrPC is found in Section 226 BNSS from 1 July 2024. The heading is the same and the text is the same except for the cross-reference, which is to Section 225 BNSS in Section 226 BNSS and to Section 202 CrPC in Section 203 CrPC.

CrPC 203 vs BNSS 226: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section203226
HeadingDismissal of complaintSame
Cross-referencess.202s.225

CrPC 203 and BNSS 226: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 203, CrPC 1973

203. Dismissal of complaint.—If, after considering the statements on oath (if any) of the complainant and of the witnesses and the result of the inquiry or investigation (if any) under section 202, the Magistrate is of opinion that there is no sufficient ground for proceeding, he shall dismiss the complaint, and in every such case he shall briefly record his reasons for so doing.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 226, BNSS 2023

226. Dismissal of complaint.—If, after considering the statements on oath (if any) of the complainant and of the witnesses and the result of the inquiry or investigation (if any) under section 225, the Magistrate is of opinion that there is no sufficient ground for proceeding, he shall dismiss the complaint, and in every such case he shall briefly record his reasons for so doing.

When It Applies: CrPC 203 vs BNSS 226

Under CrPC 203
  1. The Magistrate considers the statements on oath, if any, of the complainant and of the witnesses and the result of the inquiry or investigation, if any, under Section 202 CrPC.
  2. The Magistrate must be of opinion that there is no sufficient ground for proceeding.
  3. In that case the Magistrate shall dismiss the complaint.
  4. In every such case the Magistrate shall briefly record the reasons for so doing.
Under BNSS 226
  1. The Magistrate considers the statements on oath, if any, of the complainant and of the witnesses and the result of the inquiry or investigation, if any, under Section 225 BNSS.
  2. The Magistrate must be of opinion that there is no sufficient ground for proceeding.
  3. In that case the Magistrate shall dismiss the complaint.
  4. In every such case the Magistrate shall briefly record the reasons for so doing.

What CrPC 203 to BNSS 226 Means in Practice

From 1 July 2024, the words that the Magistrate shall dismiss the complaint and briefly record the reasons are read in Section 226 BNSS. The inquiry or investigation is that under Section 225 BNSS.

FAQs: CrPC 203 to BNSS 226

Which BNSS section replaces Section 203 CrPC?▼

Section 203 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 226 BNSS.

Which section does Section 226 BNSS refer to for the inquiry or investigation?▼

Section 226 BNSS refers to Section 225 BNSS. Section 203 CrPC referred to Section 202 CrPC.

Is the duty to record reasons different in Section 226 BNSS?▼

Section 226 BNSS reads in every such case he shall briefly record his reasons for so doing, in the same words as Section 203 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 ·