CrPC 218→BNSS 241

CrPC 218 to BNSS 241: Separate charges for distinct offences

Section 218 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 241 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 218 →View BNSS Section 241 →

CrPC 218 to BNSS 241 at a Glance

Section 218 CrPC (Separate charges for distinct offences) is now Section 241 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 218 to BNSS 241?

Section 241 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has the same heading as Section 218 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The text is the same except for the reference in Section 241(2) BNSS, which refers to Sections 242, 243, 244 and 246 BNSS where Section 218(2) CrPC referred to Sections 219, 220, 221 and 223 CrPC.

CrPC 218 vs BNSS 241: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section218241
HeadingSeparate charges for distinct offencesSame
Sub-sections2 sub-sectionsSame
Cross-referencess.219, s.220, s.221, s.223s.242, s.243, s.244, s.246

CrPC 218 and BNSS 241: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 218, CrPC 1973

218. Separate charges for distinct offences.—(1) For every distinct offence of which any person is accused there shall be a separate charge, and every such charge shall be tried separately: Provided that where the accused person, by an application in writing, so desires and the Magistrate is of opinion that such person is not likely to be prejudiced thereby, the Magistrate may try together all or any number of the charges framed against such person. (2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall affect the operation of the provisions of sections 219, 220, 221 and 223. Illustration A is accused of a theft on one occasion, and of causing grievous hurt on another occasion. A must be separately charged and separately tried for the theft and causing grievous hurt.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 241, BNSS 2023

241. Separate charges for distinct offences.—(1) For every distinct offence of which any person is accused there shall be a separate charge, and every such charge shall be tried separately: Provided that where the accused person, by an application in writing, so desires and the Magistrate is of opinion that such person is not likely to be prejudiced thereby, the Magistrate may try together all or any number of the charges framed against such person. (2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall affect the operation of the provisions of sections 242, 243, 244 and 246. Illustration. A is accused of a theft on one occasion, and of causing grievous hurt on another occasion. A must be separately charged and separately tried for the theft and causing grievous hurt.

When It Applies: CrPC 218 vs BNSS 241

Under CrPC 218
  1. For every distinct offence of which any person is accused there shall be a separate charge, and every such charge shall be tried separately.
  2. Where the accused person, by an application in writing, so desires and the Magistrate is of opinion that such person is not likely to be prejudiced thereby, the Magistrate may try together all or any number of the charges framed against such person.
Under BNSS 241
  1. For every distinct offence of which any person is accused there shall be a separate charge, and every such charge shall be tried separately.
  2. Where the accused person, by an application in writing, so desires and the Magistrate is of opinion that such person is not likely to be prejudiced thereby, the Magistrate may try together all or any number of the charges framed against such person.

What CrPC 218 to BNSS 241 Means in Practice

From 1 July 2024, the provision in Section 218 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found in Section 241 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with the same heading and text.

FAQs: CrPC 218 to BNSS 241

Where is Section 218 CrPC found in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

Section 218 CrPC is found in Section 241 BNSS from 1 July 2024. Section 241 BNSS has the same heading and the same text.

Do the words of Section 218 CrPC differ from Section 241 BNSS?▼

Section 241 BNSS reads in the same words as Section 218 CrPC. Only the section number and the name of the Code differ.

What is the heading of Section 241 BNSS?▼

Section 241 BNSS has the heading Separate charges for distinct offences, the same heading as Section 218 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 ·