Section 275 BNSS: Conviction on plea of guilty

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 275 BNSS at a Glance

Section 275 BNSS deals with conviction on plea of guilty. It replaced Section 252 CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Was CrPC

Section 275 BNSS Bare Act Text

275. Conviction on plea of guilty
If the accused pleads guilty, the Magistrate shall record the plea as nearly as possible in the words used by the accused and may, in his discretion, convict him thereon.

Source: Section 275, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 275 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 275 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 deals with an accused who pleads guilty. The Magistrate shall record the plea as nearly as possible in the words used by the accused. The Magistrate may, in his discretion, convict him thereon.

When Section 275 BNSS Applies

Section 275 BNSS applies if the accused pleads guilty.
The Magistrate shall record the plea as nearly as possible in the words used by the accused.
The Magistrate may, in his discretion, convict the accused on that plea.

Example of Section 275 BNSS

Kavita is the accused before Magistrate Arvind. Kavita pleads guilty. Magistrate Arvind records the plea as nearly as possible in the words Kavita used. Section 275 BNSS says the Magistrate may, in his discretion, convict the accused on the plea, so Magistrate Arvind may convict Kavita on it.

When Section 275 BNSS Does Not Apply

Section 275 BNSS speaks of an accused who pleads guilty before the Magistrate. It does not deal with a plea of guilty made without appearing before the Magistrate in a petty case, which Section 276 BNSS covers under the heading Conviction on plea of guilty in absence of accused in petty cases.
Section 275 BNSS speaks of recording the plea and convicting on it. It does not deal with the hearing of the prosecution and the accused when the Magistrate does not convict, which Section 277 BNSS covers under the heading Procedure when not convicted.

Section 275 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 275 BNSS replaces Section 252 CrPC from the old criminal code.

Section 252 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found in Section 275 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 from 1 July 2024. Both carry the heading Conviction on plea of guilty and the same text.

View CrPC Section 252 →

FAQs on Section 275 BNSS

What must the Magistrate do when the accused pleads guilty under Section 275 BNSS?▼

Under Section 275 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, if the accused pleads guilty, the Magistrate shall record the plea as nearly as possible in the words used by the accused. The Magistrate may, in his discretion, convict him thereon.

Must the Magistrate convict the accused on a plea of guilty under Section 275 BNSS?▼

Section 275 BNSS says the Magistrate may, in his discretion, convict the accused on the plea. The text uses may for the conviction and shall for recording the plea.

Does Section 275 BNSS state a time limit?▼

No. Section 275 BNSS states no time limit for recording the plea or for convicting the accused.

What changed from Section 252 CrPC to Section 275 BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 275 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 252 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 ·