Section 237 BNSS: Words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishable

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 237 BNSS at a Glance

Section 237 BNSS deals with words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishable. It replaced Section 214 CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Was CrPC

Section 214 →

Section 237 BNSS Bare Act Text

237. Words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishable

In every charge words used in describing an offence shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable.

Source: Section 237, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 237 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 237 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 deals with the words used in describing an offence in a charge. Those words shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable.

When Section 237 BNSS Applies

  • Section 237 BNSS applies to words used in describing an offence in a charge.
  • The sense of those words is the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable.

Example of Section 237 BNSS

A charge against Arjun uses words in describing an offence. Arjun says those words should be read in their everyday sense. Under Section 237 BNSS, the words shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable, and not in the everyday sense Arjun suggests.

When Section 237 BNSS Does Not Apply

  • Section 237 BNSS speaks of the sense of words used in describing an offence in a charge. It does not deal with the effect of an error in a charge, which Section 238 BNSS covers.
  • Section 237 BNSS speaks of the sense of words used in describing an offence. It does not deal with altering or adding to a charge, which Section 239 BNSS covers.

Section 237 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 237 BNSS replaces Section 214 CrPC from the old criminal code.

Section 237 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has the same heading and the same text as Section 214 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Only the section number and the name of the Code differ.

View CrPC Section 214 →

FAQs on Section 237 BNSS

How are words describing an offence in a charge understood under Section 237 BNSS?▼

In every charge, words used in describing an offence shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable.

Which law gives the sense of the words used in a charge under Section 237 BNSS?▼

The law under which such offence is punishable. Section 237 BNSS says the words are deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by that law.

To which words does Section 237 BNSS apply?▼

Section 237 BNSS applies to words used in describing an offence in a charge.

What changed from Section 214 CrPC to Section 237 BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 237 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has the same heading and the same text as Section 214 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Only the section number and the name of the Code differ.

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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 ·