CrPC 33→BNSS 27

CrPC 33 to BNSS 27: Powers of officers appointed

Section 33 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 27 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 33 →View BNSS Section 27 →

CrPC 33 to BNSS 27 at a Glance

Section 33 CrPC (Powers of officers appointed) is now Section 27 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 33 to BNSS 27?

Section 33 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 became Section 27 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 from 1 July 2024, with the same heading. Section 27 BNSS reads powers under this Sanhita where Section 33 CrPC read powers under this Code, and the rest of the text is the same.

CrPC 33 vs BNSS 27: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section3327
HeadingPowers of officers appointedSame

CrPC 33 and BNSS 27: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 33, CrPC 1973

33. Powers of officers appointed.—Whenever any person holding an office in the service of Government who has been invested by the High Court or the State Government with any powers under this Code throughout any local area is appointed to an equal or higher office of the same nature, within a like local area under the same State Government, he shall, unless the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, otherwise directs, or has otherwise directed, exercise the same powers in the local area in which he is so appointed.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 27, BNSS 2023

27. Powers of officers appointed.—Whenever any person holding an office in the service of Government who has been invested by the High Court or the State Government with any powers under this Sanhita throughout any local area is appointed to an equal or higher office of the same nature, within a like local area under the same State Government, he shall, unless the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, otherwise directs, or has otherwise directed, exercise the same powers in the local area in which he is so appointed.

When It Applies: CrPC 33 vs BNSS 27

Under CrPC 33
  1. Section 33 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 applies to a person holding an office in the service of Government who has been invested by the High Court or the State Government with any powers under the Code throughout any local area.
  2. Section 33 CrPC applies when that person is appointed to an equal or higher office of the same nature, within a like local area under the same State Government.
  3. Under Section 33 CrPC, that person shall exercise the same powers in the local area in which that person is so appointed.
  4. Under Section 33 CrPC, this does not apply where the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, otherwise directs, or has otherwise directed.
Under BNSS 27
  1. Section 27 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 applies to a person holding an office in the service of Government who has been invested by the High Court or the State Government with any powers under the Sanhita throughout any local area.
  2. Section 27 BNSS applies when that person is appointed to an equal or higher office of the same nature, within a like local area under the same State Government.
  3. Under Section 27 BNSS, that person shall exercise the same powers in the local area in which that person is so appointed.
  4. Under Section 27 BNSS, this does not apply where the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, otherwise directs, or has otherwise directed.

What CrPC 33 to BNSS 27 Means in Practice

From 1 July 2024, the provision on the powers of officers appointed is found in Section 27 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 in place of Section 33 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. A person holding an office in the service of Government who has been invested with powers under the Sanhita throughout any local area, and who is appointed to an equal or higher office of the same nature within a like local area under the same State Government, shall exercise the same powers there, unless the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, otherwise directs, or has otherwise directed.

FAQs: CrPC 33 to BNSS 27

What is the corresponding provision for Section 33 CrPC in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

From 1 July 2024, Section 33 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found in Section 27 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Both sections bear the heading Powers of officers appointed. Section 33 CrPC has no sub-sections and maps as a whole to Section 27 BNSS.

Do Section 33 CrPC and Section 27 BNSS word the conditions for exercising the same powers on a new appointment in the same way?▼

Yes. Section 27 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has the same text as Section 33 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 on appointment to an equal or higher office of the same nature within a like local area under the same State Government. Section 27 BNSS reads Sanhita where Section 33 CrPC read Code.

Does the High Court or the State Government retain the power to direct otherwise under Section 27 BNSS?▼

Yes. Section 27 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, like Section 33 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, applies unless the High Court or the State Government, as the case may be, otherwise directs, or has otherwise directed.

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 ·