CrPC 296→BNSS 332

CrPC 296 to BNSS 332: Evidence of formal character on affidavit

Section 296 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 332 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 296 →View BNSS Section 332 →

CrPC 296 to BNSS 332 at a Glance

Section 296 CrPC (Evidence of formal character on affidavit) is now Section 332 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 296 to BNSS 332?

Section 332 BNSS has the same heading as Section 296 CrPC, Evidence of formal character on affidavit. The text is the same, except that Section 332(1) BNSS refers to a proceeding under the Sanhita where Section 296(1) CrPC referred to a proceeding under the Code. Section 296(1) CrPC is found in Section 332(1) BNSS and Section 296(2) CrPC in Section 332(2) BNSS.

CrPC 296 vs BNSS 332: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section296332
HeadingEvidence of formal character on affidavitSame
Sub-sections2 sub-sectionsSame

CrPC 296 and BNSS 332: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 296, CrPC 1973

296. Evidence of formal character on affidavit.—(1) The evidence of any person whose evidence is of a formal character may be given by affidavit and may, subject to all just exceptions, be read in evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code. (2) The Court may, if it thinks fit, and shall, on the application of the prosecution or the accused, summon and examine any such person as to the facts contained in his affidavit.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 332, BNSS 2023

332. Evidence of formal character on affidavit.—(1) The evidence of any person whose evidence is of a formal character may be given by affidavit and may, subject to all just exceptions, be read in evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Sanhita. (2) The Court may, if it thinks fit, and shall, on the application of the prosecution or the accused, summon and examine any such person as to the facts contained in his affidavit.

When It Applies: CrPC 296 vs BNSS 332

Under CrPC 296
  1. Under Section 296(1) CrPC, the evidence of any person whose evidence is of a formal character may be given by affidavit.
  2. Section 296(1) CrPC allows the affidavit to be read in evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under the Code, subject to all just exceptions.
  3. Under Section 296(2) CrPC, the Court may, if it thinks fit, summon and examine the person as to the facts contained in the affidavit.
  4. On the application of the prosecution or the accused, the Court shall summon and examine the person as to the facts contained in the affidavit.
Under BNSS 332
  1. Under Section 332(1) BNSS, the evidence of any person whose evidence is of a formal character may be given by affidavit.
  2. Section 332(1) BNSS allows the affidavit to be read in evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under the Sanhita, subject to all just exceptions.
  3. Under Section 332(2) BNSS, the Court may, if it thinks fit, summon and examine the person as to the facts contained in the affidavit.
  4. On the application of the prosecution or the accused, the Court shall summon and examine the person as to the facts contained in the affidavit.

What CrPC 296 to BNSS 332 Means in Practice

From 1 July 2024, a reader looking for this provision for a proceeding under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 finds it in Section 332 BNSS. The words of Section 332(1) BNSS and Section 332(2) BNSS are the same as in Section 296 CrPC, apart from the reference to the Sanhita.

FAQs: CrPC 296 to BNSS 332

Which BNSS section carries Section 296 CrPC?▼

Section 332 BNSS. Section 296(1) CrPC is found in Section 332(1) BNSS and Section 296(2) CrPC in Section 332(2) BNSS.

Is the text of Section 332 BNSS different from Section 296 CrPC?▼

The heading and the text are the same, except that Section 332(1) BNSS refers to the Sanhita where Section 296(1) CrPC referred to the Code.

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 ·