Section 475 BNSS: Restriction on powers of remission or commutation in certain cases

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 475 BNSS at a Glance

Section 475 BNSS deals with restriction on powers of remission or commutation in certain cases. It replaced Section 433A CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Was CrPC

Section 433A →

Section 475 BNSS Bare Act Text

475. Restriction on powers of remission or commutation in certain cases

Notwithstanding anything contained in section 473, where a sentence of imprisonment for life is imposed on conviction of a person for an offence for which death is one of the punishments provided by law, or where a sentence of death imposed on a person has been commuted under section 474 into one of imprisonment for life, such person shall not be released from prison unless he had served at least fourteen years of imprisonment.

Source: Section 475, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 475 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 475 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 deals with a restriction on powers of remission or commutation in certain cases.

Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 473 BNSS, where a sentence of imprisonment for life is imposed on conviction of a person for an offence for which death is one of the punishments provided by law, or where a sentence of death imposed on a person has been commuted under Section 474 BNSS into one of imprisonment for life, such person shall not be released from prison unless the person had served at least fourteen years of imprisonment.

When Section 475 BNSS Applies

  • A person on whom a sentence of imprisonment for life is imposed on conviction for an offence for which death is one of the punishments provided by law.
  • A person on whom a sentence of death has been commuted under Section 474 BNSS into one of imprisonment for life.

Time Limits Under Section 475 BNSS

  • Such person shall not be released from prison unless the person had served at least fourteen years of imprisonment.Act text: “unless he had served at least fourteen years of imprisonment”

Example of Section 475 BNSS

Vikram is sentenced to imprisonment for life on conviction for an offence for which death is one of the punishments provided by law. Under Section 475 BNSS, notwithstanding anything contained in Section 473 BNSS, Vikram shall not be released from prison unless Vikram had served at least fourteen years of imprisonment.

When Section 475 BNSS Does Not Apply

  • Section 475 BNSS speaks of release from prison after at least fourteen years of imprisonment. It does not deal with the concurrent power of the Central Government in case of death sentences, which Section 476 BNSS covers.
  • Section 475 BNSS speaks of a sentence of death commuted into imprisonment for life. It does not deal with the postponement of execution of a sentence of death in case of appeal to Supreme Court, which Section 455 BNSS covers.

Section 475 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 475 BNSS replaces Section 433A CrPC from the old criminal code.

Section 475 BNSS has the same heading as Section 433A CrPC. Its text is the same except for the cross-references, which read Section 473 BNSS and Section 474 BNSS where Section 433A CrPC read Section 432 CrPC and Section 433 CrPC.

View CrPC Section 433A →

FAQs on Section 475 BNSS

What does Section 475 BNSS say about release from prison?▼

Such person shall not be released from prison unless the person had served at least fourteen years of imprisonment.

Which sentences does Section 475 BNSS speak of?▼

A sentence of imprisonment for life imposed on conviction of a person for an offence for which death is one of the punishments provided by law, and a sentence of death that has been commuted under Section 474 BNSS into one of imprisonment for life.

How many years of imprisonment must be served under Section 475 BNSS?▼

At least fourteen years of imprisonment.

What changed from Section 433A CrPC to Section 475 BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 475 BNSS has the same heading as Section 433A CrPC. Its text is the same except that it refers to Section 473 BNSS where Section 433A CrPC referred to Section 432 CrPC, and to Section 474 BNSS where Section 433A CrPC referred to Section 433 CrPC.

Have questions about Section 475 BNSS?

Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, or how it applies to your situation.

Ask NyayGuru →

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: 22 Oct 2026 ·