CrPC 334→BNSS 373

CrPC 334 to BNSS 373: Judgment of acquittal on ground of unsoundness of mind

Section 334 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 373 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 334 →View BNSS Section 373 →

CrPC 334 to BNSS 373 at a Glance

Section 334 CrPC (Judgment of acquittal on ground of unsoundness of mind) is now Section 373 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 334 to BNSS 373?

Section 334 CrPC and Section 373 BNSS have the same heading and the same text. They have no cross-references to other sections to renumber.

CrPC 334 vs BNSS 373: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section334373
HeadingJudgment of acquittal on ground of unsoundness of mindSame

CrPC 334 and BNSS 373: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 334, CrPC 1973

334. Judgment of acquittal on ground of unsoundness of mind.—Whenever any person is acquitted upon the ground that, at the time at which he is alleged to have committed an offence, he was, by reason of unsoundness of mind, incapable of knowing the nature of the act alleged as constituting the offence, or that it was wrong or contrary to law, the finding shall state specifically whether he committed the act or not.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 373, BNSS 2023

373. Judgment of acquittal on ground of unsoundness of mind.—Whenever any person is acquitted upon the ground that, at the time at which he is alleged to have committed an offence, he was, by reason of unsoundness of mind, incapable of knowing the nature of the act alleged as constituting the offence, or that it was wrong or contrary to law, the finding shall state specifically whether he committed the act or not.

When It Applies: CrPC 334 vs BNSS 373

Under CrPC 334
  1. The section applies whenever a person is acquitted upon the ground of unsoundness of mind.
  2. The ground is that, at the time at which the person is alleged to have committed an offence, the person was, by reason of unsoundness of mind, incapable of knowing the nature of the act alleged as constituting the offence, or that it was wrong or contrary to law.
  3. The finding shall state specifically whether the person committed the act or not.
Under BNSS 373
  1. The section applies whenever a person is acquitted upon the ground of unsoundness of mind.
  2. The ground is that, at the time at which the person is alleged to have committed an offence, the person was, by reason of unsoundness of mind, incapable of knowing the nature of the act alleged as constituting the offence, or that it was wrong or contrary to law.
  3. The finding shall state specifically whether the person committed the act or not.

What CrPC 334 to BNSS 373 Means in Practice

A reader of Section 373 BNSS finds the same direction on the finding in a judgment of acquittal on the ground of unsoundness of mind that Section 334 CrPC contains.

FAQs: CrPC 334 to BNSS 373

Did Section 373 BNSS change the conditions for an acquittal on the ground of unsoundness of mind in Section 334 CrPC?▼

Section 373 BNSS has the same text as Section 334 CrPC, so the conditions are worded the same way.

Did the direction on what the finding shall state change from Section 334 CrPC to Section 373 BNSS?▼

Section 373 BNSS has the same text as Section 334 CrPC on this point.

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 ·