Section 285 BNSS: Procedure for summary trials

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 285 BNSS at a Glance

Section 285 BNSS deals with procedure for summary trials. It replaced Section 262 CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Was CrPC

Section 262 →

Section 285 BNSS Bare Act Text

(1) In trials under this Chapter, the procedure specified in this Sanhita for the trial of summons-case shall be followed except as hereinafter mentioned.

(2) No sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding three months shall be passed in the case of any conviction under this Chapter.

Source: Section 285, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 285 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 deals with the procedure for summary trials. In trials under this Chapter, the procedure specified in this Sanhita for the trial of summons-case shall be followed except as hereinafter mentioned. No sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding three months shall be passed in the case of any conviction under this Chapter.

When Section 285 BNSS Applies

  • Section 285(1) BNSS applies in trials under this Chapter.
  • The procedure specified in this Sanhita for the trial of summons-case shall be followed except as hereinafter mentioned.

Time Limits Under Section 285 BNSS

  • Under Section 285(2) BNSS no sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding three months shall be passed in the case of any conviction under this Chapter.Act text: “No sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding three months shall be passed in the case of any conviction under this Chapter”

Example of Section 285 BNSS

In a trial under this Chapter, Magistrate Arvind follows the procedure specified in this Sanhita for the trial of summons-case, except as hereinafter mentioned. Kavita is convicted. No sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding three months shall be passed against Kavita.

When Section 285 BNSS Does Not Apply

  • Section 285(1) BNSS speaks of the procedure for the trial of summons-case followed in trials under this Chapter. It does not deal with the record of evidence and the judgment in a case tried summarily where the accused does not plead guilty, which Section 287 BNSS covers under the heading Judgment in cases tried summarily.
  • Section 285(2) BNSS speaks of a sentence of imprisonment on conviction. It does not deal with the language in which the record and judgment are written, which Section 288 BNSS covers under the heading Language of record and judgment.

Section 285 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 285 BNSS replaced Section 262 CrPC from 1 July 2024.

Section 262 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found in Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 from 1 July 2024, under the same heading. Section 285(1) BNSS reads this Sanhita where Section 262(1) CrPC read this Code. The rest of the text is the same, including the sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding three months in sub-section 2.

Each sub-section below names its own source.

FAQs on Section 285 BNSS

Which procedure is followed in trials under Section 285 BNSS?▼

Under Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in trials under this Chapter, the procedure specified in this Sanhita for the trial of summons-case shall be followed except as hereinafter mentioned.

Is there a limit on the sentence of imprisonment under Section 285 BNSS?▼

Yes. Section 285(2) BNSS says no sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding three months shall be passed in the case of any conviction under this Chapter.

What changed from Section 262 CrPC to Section 285 BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 285 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 262 CrPC, with this difference. Section 285(1) BNSS reads this Sanhita where Section 262(1) CrPC read this Code.

Section 285 BNSS: Sub-sections Explained

Section 285(1) BNSS: Procedure for summary trials

▶

Bare Act Text

(1) In trials under this Chapter, the procedure specified in this Sanhita for the trial of summons-case shall be followed except as hereinafter mentioned.

Previous Law

CrPC 262 → Section 285(1) BNSS

Section 285(2) BNSS: Procedure for summary trials

▶

Bare Act Text

(2) No sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding three months shall be passed in the case of any conviction under this Chapter.

Previous Law

CrPC 262(2) → Section 285(2) BNSS

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Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 22 Oct 2026 ·