CrPC 231→BNSS 254

CrPC 231 to BNSS 254: Evidence for prosecution

Section 231 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 254 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 231 →View BNSS Section 254 →

CrPC 231 to BNSS 254 at a Glance

Section 231 CrPC (Evidence for prosecution) is now Section 254 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 231 to BNSS 254?

Section 254 BNSS has the same heading as Section 231 CrPC, from 1 July 2024. Section 254(1) BNSS adds a proviso that evidence of a witness under Section 254(1) BNSS may be recorded by audio-video electronic means. Section 254(2) BNSS adds that the deposition of evidence of any public servant may be taken through audio-video electronic means. Section 231(2) CrPC is found in Section 254(3) BNSS with the same words.

CrPC 231 vs BNSS 254: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section231254
HeadingEvidence for prosecutionSame
Sub-sections2 sub-sections3 sub-sections

CrPC 231 and BNSS 254: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 231, CrPC 1973

231. Evidence for prosecution.—(1) On the date so fixed, the Judge shall proceed to take all such evidence as may be produced in support of the prosecution. (2) The Judge may, in his discretion, permit the cross-examination of any witness to be deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined or recall any witness for further cross-examination.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 254, BNSS 2023

254. Evidence for prosecution.—(1) On the date so fixed, the Judge shall proceed to take all such evidence as may be produced in support of the prosecution: Provided that evidence of a witness under this sub-section may be recorded by audio-video electronic means. (2) The deposition of evidence of any public servant may be taken through audio-video electronic means. (3) The Judge may, in his discretion, permit the cross-examination of any witness to be deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined or recall any witness for further cross-examination.

When It Applies: CrPC 231 vs BNSS 254

Under CrPC 231
  1. Under Section 231(1) CrPC, on the date so fixed, the Judge shall proceed to take all such evidence as may be produced in support of the prosecution.
  2. Under Section 231(2) CrPC, the Judge may permit the cross-examination of any witness to be deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined.
  3. Under Section 231(2) CrPC, the Judge may recall any witness for further cross-examination.
Under BNSS 254
  1. Under Section 254(1) BNSS, on the date so fixed, the Judge shall proceed to take all such evidence as may be produced in support of the prosecution.
  2. Under the proviso to Section 254(1) BNSS, evidence of a witness under Section 254(1) BNSS may be recorded by audio-video electronic means.
  3. Under Section 254(2) BNSS, the deposition of evidence of any public servant may be taken through audio-video electronic means.
  4. Under Section 254(3) BNSS, the Judge may permit the cross-examination of any witness to be deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined, or recall any witness for further cross-examination.

Time Limits: CrPC 231 to BNSS 254

Under CrPC 231
  • The Judge shall proceed to take all evidence produced in support of the prosecution on the date so fixed under Section 231(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.Act text: “On the date so fixed, the Judge shall proceed to take all such evidence”
  • Under Section 231(2) CrPC, the cross-examination of a witness may be deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined.Act text: “deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined”
Under BNSS 254
  • The Judge shall proceed to take all evidence produced in support of the prosecution on the date so fixed under Section 254(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.Act text: “On the date so fixed, the Judge shall proceed to take all such evidence”
  • Under Section 254(3) BNSS, the cross-examination of a witness may be deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined.Act text: “deferred until any other witness or witnesses have been examined”

What CrPC 231 to BNSS 254 Means in Practice

From 1 July 2024, the text of Section 231 CrPC is found in Section 254 BNSS. Section 254(1) BNSS has a proviso and Section 254(2) BNSS provides for audio-video electronic means, and Section 231 CrPC has no counterpart to either.

FAQs: CrPC 231 to BNSS 254

Does Section 254 BNSS mention audio-video electronic means?▼

Yes. The proviso to Section 254(1) BNSS reads that evidence of a witness under Section 254(1) BNSS may be recorded by audio-video electronic means. Section 254(2) BNSS reads that the deposition of evidence of any public servant may be taken through audio-video electronic means. Section 231 CrPC has no counterpart to either.

Which sub-section of Section 254 BNSS matches Section 231(2) CrPC?▼

Section 231(2) CrPC is found in Section 254(3) BNSS, with the same words on deferring cross-examination and recalling a witness.

Did Section 254(1) BNSS change from Section 231(1) CrPC?▼

Section 254(1) BNSS has the same operative words as Section 231(1) CrPC and adds a proviso on recording the evidence of a witness by audio-video electronic means.

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: 22 Oct 2026 ·