CrPC 286→BNSS 321

CrPC 286 to BNSS 321: Execution of commissions

Section 286 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 321 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 286 →View BNSS Section 321 →

CrPC 286 to BNSS 321 at a Glance

Section 286 CrPC (Execution of commissions) is now Section 321 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 286 to BNSS 321?

From 1 July 2024, Section 321 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced Section 286 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The heading is the same. Section 321 BNSS reads the Chief Judicial Magistrate or such Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf where Section 286 CrPC read the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, or Chief Judicial Magistrate or such Metropolitan or Judicial Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf. Section 321 BNSS reads this Sanhita where Section 286 CrPC read this Code.

CrPC 286 vs BNSS 321: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section286321
HeadingExecution of commissionsSame

CrPC 286 and BNSS 321: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 286, CrPC 1973

286. Execution of commissions.—Upon receipt of the commission, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, or Chief Judicial Magistrate or such Metropolitan or Judicial Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf, shall summon the witness before him or proceed to the place where the witness is, and shall take down his evidence in the same manner, and may for this purpose exercise the same powers, as in trials of warrant-cases under this Code.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 321, BNSS 2023

321. Execution of commissions.—Upon receipt of the commission, the Chief Judicial Magistrate or such Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf, shall summon the witness before him or proceed to the place where the witness is, and shall take down his evidence in the same manner, and may for this purpose exercise the same powers, as in trials of warrant-cases under this Sanhita.

When It Applies: CrPC 286 vs BNSS 321

Under CrPC 286
  1. Upon receipt of the commission, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, or Chief Judicial Magistrate or such Metropolitan or Judicial Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf, acts under Section 286 CrPC.
  2. That Magistrate shall summon the witness before the Magistrate or proceed to the place where the witness is.
  3. That Magistrate shall take down the evidence of the witness in the same manner, and may for this purpose exercise the same powers, as in trials of warrant-cases under the Code.
Under BNSS 321
  1. Upon receipt of the commission, the Chief Judicial Magistrate or such Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf acts under Section 321 BNSS.
  2. That Magistrate shall summon the witness before the Magistrate or proceed to the place where the witness is.
  3. That Magistrate shall take down the evidence of the witness in the same manner, and may for this purpose exercise the same powers, as in trials of warrant-cases under the Sanhita.

What CrPC 286 to BNSS 321 Means in Practice

Under Section 321 BNSS, upon receipt of the commission, the Chief Judicial Magistrate or such Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf shall summon the witness before him or proceed to the place where the witness is. Section 286 CrPC named the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, or Chief Judicial Magistrate or such Metropolitan or Judicial Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf.

FAQs: CrPC 286 to BNSS 321

Which BNSS section replaced Section 286 CrPC from 1 July 2024?▼

From 1 July 2024, Section 321 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced Section 286 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The heading is the same: execution of commissions.

Which Magistrates does Section 321 BNSS name upon receipt of the commission?▼

Section 321 BNSS names the Chief Judicial Magistrate or such Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf. Section 286 CrPC named the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, or Chief Judicial Magistrate or such Metropolitan or Judicial Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf.

What other difference is there between Section 286 CrPC and Section 321 BNSS?▼

Section 321 BNSS reads this Sanhita where Section 286 CrPC read this Code. The rest of the text 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: 21 Oct 2026 ·