Section 216 BNSS: Procedure for witnesses in case of threatening, etc

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 216 BNSS at a Glance

Section 216 BNSS deals with procedure for witnesses in case of threatening, etc. It replaced Section 195A CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Was CrPC

Section 195A →

Section 216 BNSS Bare Act Text

216. Procedure for witnesses in case of threatening, etc

A witness or any other person may file a complaint in relation to an offence under section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Source: Section 216, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 216 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 216 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 is headed Procedure for witnesses in case of threatening, etc. It says that a witness or any other person may file a complaint in relation to an offence under section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

When Section 216 BNSS Applies

  • A witness may file a complaint in relation to an offence under section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
  • Any other person may also file a complaint in relation to an offence under section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Example of Section 216 BNSS

Meera is a witness. Under Section 216 BNSS, Meera may file a complaint in relation to an offence under section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Arjun is not a witness. Under the same words, Arjun is any other person and may file a complaint in relation to that offence.

When Section 216 BNSS Does Not Apply

  • Section 216 BNSS speaks of a complaint in relation to an offence under section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. It does not deal with a complaint in relation to an offence under any other section of that Sanhita.
  • Section 216 BNSS speaks of who may file a complaint. It does not deal with the trial of the offence.

Section 216 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 216 BNSS replaces Section 195A CrPC from the old criminal code.

Section 195A CrPC is found in Section 216 BNSS from 1 July 2024. The heading is the same and the text is the same except for the cross-reference, which is to section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 in Section 216 BNSS and to section 195A of the Indian Penal Code in Section 195A CrPC.

View CrPC Section 195A →

FAQs on Section 216 BNSS

Who may file a complaint under Section 216 BNSS?▼

A witness or any other person may file a complaint under Section 216 BNSS. The complaint is in relation to an offence under section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Is Section 216 BNSS limited to witnesses?▼

Section 216 BNSS says a witness or any other person may file a complaint. The words any other person are in the text next to the word witness.

Which offence is a complaint under Section 216 BNSS in relation to?▼

The complaint is in relation to an offence under section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Section 216 BNSS names no other offence.

What changed from Section 195A CrPC to Section 216 BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 216 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 195A CrPC, with one difference in the cross-reference. Section 216 BNSS refers to section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 where Section 195A CrPC referred to section 195A of the Indian Penal Code.

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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: 20 Oct 2026 ·