Section 253 BNSS: Date for prosecution evidence

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 253 BNSS at a Glance

Section 253 BNSS deals with date for prosecution evidence. It replaced Section 230 CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Was CrPC

Section 230 →

Section 253 BNSS Bare Act Text

253. Date for prosecution evidence

If the accused refuses to plead, or does not plead, or claims to be tried or is not convicted under section 252, the Judge shall fix a date for the examination of witnesses, and may, on the application of the prosecution, issue any process for compelling the attendance of any witness or the production of any document or other thing.

Source: Section 253, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 253 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 253 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 deals with the date for prosecution evidence. If the accused refuses to plead, or does not plead, or claims to be tried or is not convicted under section 252, the Judge shall fix a date for the examination of witnesses.

When Section 253 BNSS Applies

  • Section 253 BNSS applies if the accused refuses to plead, or does not plead, or claims to be tried or is not convicted under Section 252 BNSS.
  • The Judge shall fix a date for the examination of witnesses.
  • On the application of the prosecution, the Judge may issue any process for compelling the attendance of any witness or the production of any document or other thing.

Example of Section 253 BNSS

Gopal refuses to plead. Under Section 253 BNSS, the Judge shall fix a date for the examination of witnesses. On the application of the prosecution, the Judge may issue process for compelling the attendance of a witness.

When Section 253 BNSS Does Not Apply

  • Section 253 BNSS speaks of the date for the examination of witnesses. It does not deal with a conviction on a plea of guilty, which Section 252 BNSS covers.
  • Section 253 BNSS speaks of the date for the examination of witnesses. It does not deal with who conducts the prosecution in a trial before a Court of Session, which Section 248 BNSS covers.

Section 253 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 253 BNSS replaces Section 230 CrPC from the old criminal code.

Section 253 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has the same heading as Section 230 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The text is the same except for the reference to Section 252 BNSS where Section 230 CrPC referred to Section 229 CrPC.

View CrPC Section 230 →

FAQs on Section 253 BNSS

When does the Judge fix a date for the examination of witnesses under Section 253 BNSS?▼

If the accused refuses to plead, or does not plead, or claims to be tried or is not convicted under section 252, the Judge shall fix a date for the examination of witnesses.

What process may the Judge issue under Section 253 BNSS?▼

On the application of the prosecution, the Judge may issue any process for compelling the attendance of any witness or the production of any document or other thing.

Does Section 253 BNSS cover an accused who claims to be tried?▼

Yes. Section 253 BNSS names an accused who refuses to plead, or does not plead, or claims to be tried or is not convicted under section 252.

What changed from Section 230 CrPC to Section 253 BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 253 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has the same heading as Section 230 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The text is the same except for the reference to Section 252 BNSS, where Section 230 CrPC referred to Section 229 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: 20 Oct 2026 ·