CrPC 234→BNSS 257

CrPC 234 to BNSS 257: Arguments

Section 234 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 257 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 234 →View BNSS Section 257 →

CrPC 234 to BNSS 257 at a Glance

Section 234 CrPC (Arguments) is now Section 257 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 234 to BNSS 257?

From 1 July 2024, Section 234 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found in Section 257 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Both sections have the same heading, Arguments. Section 257 BNSS reads advocate where Section 234 CrPC read pleader, in the main text and in the proviso. The rest of the text is the same.

CrPC 234 vs BNSS 257: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section234257
HeadingArgumentsSame

CrPC 234 and BNSS 257: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 234, CrPC 1973

234. Arguments.—When the examination of the witnesses (if any) for the defence is complete, the prosecutor shall sum up his case and the accused or his pleader shall be entitled to reply: Provided that where any point of law is raised by the accused or his pleader, the prosecution may, with the permission of the Judge, make his submissions with regard to such point of law.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 257, BNSS 2023

257. Arguments.—When the examination of the witnesses (if any) for the defence is complete, the prosecutor shall sum up his case and the accused or his advocate shall be entitled to reply: Provided that where any point of law is raised by the accused or his advocate, the prosecution may, with the permission of the Judge, make his submissions with regard to such point of law.

When It Applies: CrPC 234 vs BNSS 257

Under CrPC 234
  1. The prosecutor shall sum up his case when the examination of the witnesses, if any, for the defence is complete.
  2. The accused or the pleader of the accused shall be entitled to reply.
  3. Where any point of law is raised by the accused or the pleader, the prosecution may, with the permission of the Judge, make submissions with regard to that point of law.
Under BNSS 257
  1. The prosecutor shall sum up his case when the examination of the witnesses, if any, for the defence is complete.
  2. The accused or the advocate of the accused shall be entitled to reply.
  3. Where any point of law is raised by the accused or the advocate, the prosecution may, with the permission of the Judge, make submissions with regard to that point of law.

What CrPC 234 to BNSS 257 Means in Practice

Section 257 BNSS speaks of the accused or his advocate, both for the reply and for a point of law raised, where Section 234 CrPC spoke of the accused or his pleader.

FAQs: CrPC 234 to BNSS 257

What is the difference between Section 234 CrPC and Section 257 BNSS?▼

Section 257 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 234 CrPC, except that Section 257 BNSS reads advocate where Section 234 CrPC read pleader.

Does Section 257 BNSS use the word pleader?▼

No. Section 257 BNSS reads advocate in both places where Section 234 CrPC read pleader.

Is the proviso to Section 257 BNSS different from the proviso to Section 234 CrPC?▼

Only in the word advocate where Section 234 CrPC read pleader. The rest of the proviso is the same.

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 ·