Section 169 BNSS: Information of design to commit cognizable offences

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 169 BNSS at a Glance

Section 169 BNSS deals with information of design to commit cognizable offences. It replaced Section 150 CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Was CrPC

Section 150 →

Section 169 BNSS Bare Act Text

169. Information of design to commit cognizable offences

Every police officer receiving information of a design to commit any cognizable offence shall communicate such information to the police officer to whom he is subordinate, and to any other officer whose duty it is to prevent or take cognizance of the commission of any such offence.

Source: Section 169, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 169 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 169 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 deals with information of a design to commit a cognizable offence.

Every police officer who receives such information shall communicate it to the police officer to whom that officer is subordinate.

The officer shall also communicate it to any other officer whose duty it is to prevent the commission of any such offence or to take cognizance of its commission.

When Section 169 BNSS Applies

  • Section 169 BNSS applies to every police officer receiving information of a design to commit any cognizable offence.
  • That police officer shall communicate such information to the police officer to whom he is subordinate.
  • That police officer shall also communicate such information to any other officer whose duty it is to prevent or take cognizance of the commission of any such offence.

Example of Section 169 BNSS

Vikram, a police officer, receives information of a design to commit a cognizable offence. Under Section 169 BNSS, Vikram shall communicate such information to the police officer to whom Vikram is subordinate. Under Section 169 BNSS, Vikram shall also communicate such information to any other officer whose duty it is to prevent or take cognizance of the commission of any such offence.

When Section 169 BNSS Does Not Apply

  • Section 169 BNSS speaks of information of a design to commit any cognizable offence. It does not deal with information of a design to commit an offence that is not a cognizable offence.
  • Section 169 BNSS speaks of communicating such information. It does not deal with the arrest of the person so designing.

Section 169 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 169 BNSS replaces Section 150 CrPC from the old criminal code.

Section 169 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 150 CrPC.

View CrPC Section 150 →

FAQs on Section 169 BNSS

Whom must a police officer inform under Section 169 BNSS?▼

Every police officer receiving information of a design to commit any cognizable offence shall communicate such information to the police officer to whom he is subordinate, and to any other officer whose duty it is to prevent or take cognizance of the commission of any such offence.

What information does Section 169 BNSS speak of?▼

Section 169 BNSS speaks of information of a design to commit any cognizable offence.

Which other officer receives the information under Section 169 BNSS?▼

Section 169 BNSS says any other officer whose duty it is to prevent or take cognizance of the commission of any such offence.

What changed from Section 150 CrPC to Section 169 BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 169 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 150 CrPC.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 26 Oct 2026 ·