CrPC 55A→BNSS 56

CrPC 55A to BNSS 56: Health and safety of arrested person

Section 55A CrPC (1973) replaced by Section 56 BNSS (2023)

View CrPC Section 55A →View BNSS Section 56 →

CrPC 55A to BNSS 56 at a Glance

Section 55A CrPC (Health and safety of arrested person) is now Section 56 BNSS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From CrPC 55A to BNSS 56?

Section 55A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 became Section 56 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 from 1 July 2024. Section 56 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 55A CrPC.

CrPC 55A vs BNSS 56: Comparison Table

AspectCrPC 1973 (repealed)BNSS 2023 (in force)
Section55A56
HeadingHealth and safety of arrested personSame

CrPC 55A and BNSS 56: Bare Act Text Side by Side

CrPC 1973 (repealed)

Section 55A, CrPC 1973

55A. Health and safety of arrested person.—It shall be the duty of the person having the custody of an accused to take reasonable care of the health and safety of the accused.
BNSS 2023 (in force)

Section 56, BNSS 2023

56. Health and safety of arrested person.—It shall be the duty of the person having the custody of an accused to take reasonable care of the health and safety of the accused.

When It Applies: CrPC 55A vs BNSS 56

Under CrPC 55A
  1. Section 55A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 speaks of the person having the custody of an accused.
  2. Under Section 55A CrPC, it shall be the duty of the person having the custody of an accused to take reasonable care of the health and safety of the accused.
Under BNSS 56
  1. Section 56 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 speaks of the person having the custody of an accused.
  2. Under Section 56 BNSS, it shall be the duty of the person having the custody of an accused to take reasonable care of the health and safety of the accused.

What CrPC 55A to BNSS 56 Means in Practice

From 1 July 2024, the duty of the person having the custody of an accused to take reasonable care of the health and safety of the accused is found in Section 56 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 in place of Section 55A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, with the same wording.

FAQs: CrPC 55A to BNSS 56

Where is Section 55A CrPC found in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

From 1 July 2024, Section 55A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found in Section 56 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with the same heading. Section 55A CrPC has no sub-sections and maps as a whole to Section 56 BNSS.

Did Section 56 BNSS change the duty of the person having custody of an accused?▼

No. Section 55A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and Section 56 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 both read: it shall be the duty of the person having the custody of an accused to take reasonable care of the health and safety of the accused.

Does Section 56 BNSS have the same heading as Section 55A CrPC?▼

Yes. Section 55A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and Section 56 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 are both headed Health and safety of arrested person.

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 ·