CrPC 32→BNSS 26

CrPC 32 to BNSS 26: Mode of conferring powers

Section 32 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 26 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 32 →View BNSS Section 26 →

CrPC 32 to BNSS 26 at a Glance

Section 32 CrPC (Mode of conferring powers) is now Section 26 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 32 to BNSS 26?

Section 32 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 became Section 26 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 from 1 July 2024, with the same heading, Mode of conferring powers. Section 26(1) BNSS reads Sanhita where Section 32(1) CrPC read Code, and its printed text reads be their official titles where Section 32(1) CrPC read by their official titles. Section 26(2) BNSS has the same text as Section 32(2) CrPC.

CrPC 32 vs BNSS 26: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section3226
HeadingMode of conferring powersSame
Sub-sections2 sub-sectionsSame

CrPC 32 and BNSS 26: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 32, CrPC 1973

32. Mode of conferring powers.—(1) In conferring powers under this Code, the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, may, by order, empower persons specially by name or in virtue of their offices or classes of officials generally by their official titles. (2) Every such order shall take effect from the date on which it is communicated to the person so empowered.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 26, BNSS 2023

26. Mode of conferring powers.—(1) In conferring powers under this Sanhita, the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, may, by order, empower persons specially by name or in virtue of their offices or classes of officials generally be their official titles. (2) Every such order shall take effect from the date on which it is communicated to the person so empowered.

When It Applies: CrPC 32 vs BNSS 26

Under CrPC 32
  1. Under Section 32(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, in conferring powers under the Code, the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, may act by order.
  2. Under Section 32(1) CrPC, the order may empower persons specially by name or in virtue of their offices.
  3. Under Section 32(1) CrPC, the order may also empower classes of officials generally by their official titles.
  4. Under Section 32(2) CrPC, every such order shall take effect from the date on which it is communicated to the person so empowered.
Under BNSS 26
  1. Under Section 26(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in conferring powers under the Sanhita, the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, may act by order.
  2. Under Section 26(1) BNSS, the order may empower persons specially by name or in virtue of their offices.
  3. Under Section 26(1) BNSS, the order may also empower classes of officials generally by their official titles.
  4. Under Section 26(2) BNSS, every such order shall take effect from the date on which it is communicated to the person so empowered.

What CrPC 32 to BNSS 26 Means in Practice

From 1 July 2024, the provision on the mode of conferring powers is found in Section 26 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 in place of Section 32 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, may by order empower persons specially by name or in virtue of their offices, or classes of officials generally by their official titles, and every such order shall take effect from the date on which it is communicated to the person so empowered.

FAQs: CrPC 32 to BNSS 26

Which section of the BNSS replaces Section 32 CrPC?▼

From 1 July 2024, Section 32 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found in Section 26 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Section 32(1) CrPC maps to Section 26(1) BNSS, and Section 32(2) CrPC maps to Section 26(2) BNSS. Both sections bear the heading Mode of conferring powers.

Did the BNSS change who may confer powers or the modes of conferring them?▼

No. Under Section 26(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, as under Section 32(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, may by order empower persons specially by name, in virtue of their offices, or classes of officials generally by their official titles. Section 26(1) BNSS reads Sanhita where Section 32(1) CrPC read Code, and its printed text reads be where Section 32(1) CrPC read by before their official titles.

Did Section 26(2) BNSS alter the rule on when an order conferring powers takes effect?▼

No. Section 26(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has the same text as Section 32(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Every such order conferring powers shall take effect from the date on which it is communicated to the person so empowered.

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: 18 Oct 2026 ·