CrPC 253 to BNSS 276: Conviction on plea of guilty in absence of accused in petty cases
Section 253 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 276 BNSS (2023)
CrPC 253 to BNSS 276 at a Glance
Section 253 CrPC (Conviction on plea of guilty in absence of accused in petty cases) is now Section 276 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.
What Changed From CrPC 253 to BNSS 276?
Section 253 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found in Section 276 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 from 1 July 2024, under the same heading. Section 276(1) BNSS refers to Section 229 BNSS where Section 253(1) CrPC referred to Section 206 CrPC. Section 276(2) BNSS reads advocate where Section 253(2) CrPC read pleader. The rest of the text is the same.
CrPC 253 vs BNSS 276: Comparison Table
| Aspect | CrPC 1973 (repealed) | BNSS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 253 | 276 |
| Heading | Conviction on plea of guilty in absence of accused in petty cases | Same |
| Sub-sections | 2 sub-sections | Same |
| Cross-references | s.206 | s.229 |
CrPC 253 and BNSS 276: Bare Act Text Side by Side
CrPC 1973 (repealed)
Section 253, CrPC 1973
253. Conviction on plea of guilty in absence of accused in petty cases.—(1) Where a summons has been issued under section 206 and the accused desires to plead guilty to the charge without appearing before the Magistrate, he shall transmit to the Magistrate, by post or by messenger, a letter containing his plea and also the amount of fine specified in the summons.
(2) The Magistrate may, in his discretion, convict the accused in his absence, on his plea of guilty and sentence him to pay the fine specified in the summons, and the amount transmitted by the accused shall be adjusted towards that fine, or where a pleader authorised by the accused in this behalf pleads guilty on behalf of the accused, the Magistrate shall record the plea as nearly as possible in the words used by the pleader and may, in his discretion, convict the accused on such plea and sentence him as aforesaid.
BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section 276, BNSS 2023
276. Conviction on plea of guilty in absence of accused in petty cases.—(1) Where a summons has been issued under section 229 and the accused desires to plead guilty to the charge without appearing before the Magistrate, he shall transmit to the Magistrate, by post or by messenger, a letter containing his plea and also the amount of fine specified in the summons.
(2) The Magistrate may, in his discretion, convict the accused in his absence, on his plea of guilty and sentence him to pay the fine specified in the summons, and the amount transmitted by the accused shall be adjusted towards that fine, or where an advocate authorised by the accused in this behalf pleads guilty on behalf of the accused, the Magistrate shall record the plea as nearly as possible in the words used by the advocate and may, in his discretion, convict the accused on such plea and sentence him as aforesaid.
When It Applies: CrPC 253 vs BNSS 276
Under CrPC 253
- Section 253(1) CrPC applies where a summons has been issued under Section 206 CrPC and the accused desires to plead guilty to the charge without appearing before the Magistrate.
- The accused shall transmit to the Magistrate, by post or by messenger, a letter containing the plea and also the amount of fine specified in the summons.
- Under Section 253(2) CrPC the Magistrate may, in his discretion, convict the accused in his absence, on his plea of guilty and sentence him to pay the fine specified in the summons. The amount transmitted by the accused shall be adjusted towards that fine.
- Where a pleader authorised by the accused in this behalf pleads guilty on behalf of the accused, the Magistrate shall record the plea as nearly as possible in the words used by the pleader and may, in his discretion, convict the accused on such plea and sentence him as aforesaid.
Under BNSS 276
- Section 276(1) BNSS applies where a summons has been issued under Section 229 BNSS and the accused desires to plead guilty to the charge without appearing before the Magistrate.
- The accused shall transmit to the Magistrate, by post or by messenger, a letter containing the plea and also the amount of fine specified in the summons.
- Under Section 276(2) BNSS the Magistrate may, in his discretion, convict the accused in his absence, on his plea of guilty and sentence him to pay the fine specified in the summons. The amount transmitted by the accused shall be adjusted towards that fine.
- Where an advocate authorised by the accused in this behalf pleads guilty on behalf of the accused, the Magistrate shall record the plea as nearly as possible in the words used by the advocate and may, in his discretion, convict the accused on such plea and sentence him as aforesaid.
What CrPC 253 to BNSS 276 Means in Practice
Section 276 BNSS asks for the same letter and the same fine as Section 253 CrPC, and gives the Magistrate the same words on convicting in the absence of the accused. The authorised representative is called an advocate in Section 276(2) BNSS and a pleader in Section 253(2) CrPC.
FAQs: CrPC 253 to BNSS 276
Which BNSS section is Section 253 CrPC from 1 July 2024?▼
Section 276 BNSS, under the same heading.
Which cross-reference differs between Section 253 CrPC and Section 276 BNSS?▼
Section 276(1) BNSS refers to Section 229 BNSS where Section 253(1) CrPC referred to Section 206 CrPC.
Does Section 276 BNSS use a different word from Section 253 CrPC for the person who pleads guilty on behalf of the accused?▼
Yes. Section 276(2) BNSS reads advocate where Section 253(2) CrPC read pleader.
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 ·