CrPC 257→BNSS 280

CrPC 257 to BNSS 280: Withdrawal of complaint

Section 257 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 280 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 257 →View BNSS Section 280 →

CrPC 257 to BNSS 280 at a Glance

Section 257 CrPC (Withdrawal of complaint) is now Section 280 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 257 to BNSS 280?

Section 257 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found in Section 280 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 from 1 July 2024. Both carry the heading Withdrawal of complaint and the same text.

CrPC 257 vs BNSS 280: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section257280
HeadingWithdrawal of complaintSame

CrPC 257 and BNSS 280: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 257, CrPC 1973

257. Withdrawal of complaint.—If a complainant, at any time before a final order is passed in any case under this Chapter, satisfies the Magistrate that there are sufficient grounds for permitting him to withdraw his complaint against the accused, or if there be more than one accused, against all or any of them, the Magistrate may permit him to withdraw the same, and shall thereupon acquit the accused against whom the complaint is so withdrawn.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 280, BNSS 2023

280. Withdrawal of complaint.—If a complainant, at any time before a final order is passed in any case under this Chapter, satisfies the Magistrate that there are sufficient grounds for permitting him to withdraw his complaint against the accused, or if there be more than one accused, against all or any of them, the Magistrate may permit him to withdraw the same, and shall thereupon acquit the accused against whom the complaint is so withdrawn.

When It Applies: CrPC 257 vs BNSS 280

Under CrPC 257
  1. Section 257 CrPC is for a complainant in any case under this Chapter.
  2. The complainant satisfies the Magistrate that there are sufficient grounds for permitting the complainant to withdraw the complaint against the accused, or if there be more than one accused, against all or any of them.
  3. The Magistrate may permit the complainant to withdraw the complaint, and shall thereupon acquit the accused against whom the complaint is so withdrawn.
Under BNSS 280
  1. Section 280 BNSS is for a complainant in any case under this Chapter.
  2. The complainant satisfies the Magistrate that there are sufficient grounds for permitting the complainant to withdraw the complaint against the accused, or if there be more than one accused, against all or any of them.
  3. The Magistrate may permit the complainant to withdraw the complaint, and shall thereupon acquit the accused against whom the complaint is so withdrawn.

Time Limits: CrPC 257 to BNSS 280

Under CrPC 257
  • The complainant may seek to withdraw the complaint at any time before a final order is passed.Act text: “at any time before a final order is passed”
Under BNSS 280
  • The complainant may seek to withdraw the complaint at any time before a final order is passed.Act text: “at any time before a final order is passed”

What CrPC 257 to BNSS 280 Means in Practice

A reader of Section 280 BNSS finds the words of Section 257 CrPC. The complainant may seek to withdraw the complaint at any time before a final order is passed, and the Magistrate shall thereupon acquit the accused against whom the complaint is so withdrawn.

FAQs: CrPC 257 to BNSS 280

Which BNSS section is Section 257 CrPC from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 280 BNSS. It has the same heading and the same text.

Is the text of Section 280 BNSS different from Section 257 CrPC?▼

No. Section 280 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 257 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: 22 Oct 2026 ·