CrPC 474→BNSS 520

CrPC 474 to BNSS 520: Trials before High Courts

Section 474 CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 520 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 474 →View BNSS Section 520 →

CrPC 474 to BNSS 520 at a Glance

Section 474 CrPC (Trials before High Courts) is now Section 520 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 474 to BNSS 520?

Section 474 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found from 1 July 2024 as Section 520 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with the same heading. The text is the same except that Section 520 BNSS refers to Section 447 BNSS where Section 474 CrPC refers to Section 407 CrPC. Section 447 BNSS and Section 407 CrPC are both headed Power of High Court to transfer cases and appeals.

CrPC 474 vs BNSS 520: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section474520
HeadingTrials before High CourtsSame
Cross-referencess.407s.447

CrPC 474 and BNSS 520: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 474, CrPC 1973

474. Trials before High Courts.—When an offence is tried by the High Court otherwise than under section 407, it shall, in the trial of the offence, observe the same procedure as a Court of Session would observe if it were trying the case.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 520, BNSS 2023

520. Trials before High Courts.—When an offence is tried by the High Court otherwise than under section 447, it shall, in the trial of the offence, observe the same procedure as a Court of Sessions would observe if it were trying the case.

When It Applies: CrPC 474 vs BNSS 520

Under CrPC 474
  1. Section 474 CrPC applies when an offence is tried by the High Court otherwise than under Section 407 CrPC.
  2. In the trial of the offence, the High Court shall observe the same procedure as a Court of Session would observe if it were trying the case.
Under BNSS 520
  1. Section 520 BNSS applies when an offence is tried by the High Court otherwise than under Section 447 BNSS.
  2. In the trial of the offence, the High Court shall observe the same procedure as a Court of Sessions would observe if it were trying the case.

What CrPC 474 to BNSS 520 Means in Practice

A reader applying Section 520 BNSS looks to Section 447 BNSS for the trials excluded, where Section 474 CrPC looked to Section 407 CrPC.

FAQs: CrPC 474 to BNSS 520

Which BNSS section carries Section 474 CrPC from 1 July 2024?▼

From 1 July 2024, Section 474 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 520 BNSS. Section 407 CrPC, named in Section 474 CrPC, is named as Section 447 BNSS in Section 520 BNSS. Section 520 BNSS is headed Trials before High Courts.

Is the text of Section 520 BNSS the same as Section 474 CrPC?▼

Section 520 BNSS has the same heading as Section 474 CrPC. The text is the same except that Section 520 BNSS refers to Section 447 BNSS where Section 474 CrPC refers to Section 407 CrPC.

What cross-reference is renumbered between Section 474 CrPC and Section 520 BNSS?▼

Section 520 BNSS refers to Section 447 BNSS where Section 474 CrPC refers to Section 407 CrPC.

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 ·