Section 496 BNSS: Power to direct levy of amount due on certain recognizances

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 496 BNSS at a Glance

Section 496 BNSS deals with power to direct levy of amount due on certain recognizances. It replaced Section 450 CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Was CrPC

Section 450 →

Section 496 BNSS Bare Act Text

496. Power to direct levy of amount due on certain recognizances

The High Court or Court of Session may direct any Magistrate to levy the amount due on a bond for appearance or attendance at such High Court or Court of Session.

Source: Section 496, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 496 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 496 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 is headed Power to direct levy of amount due on certain recognizances. The High Court or Court of Session may direct any Magistrate to levy the amount due on a bond for appearance or attendance at such High Court or Court of Session.

When Section 496 BNSS Applies

  • Under Section 496 BNSS, the High Court or Court of Session may direct any Magistrate.
  • The direction under Section 496 BNSS is to levy the amount due on a bond.
  • The bond under Section 496 BNSS is a bond for appearance or attendance at such High Court or Court of Session.

Example of Section 496 BNSS

Meera executes a bond for attendance at a High Court, and an amount is due on that bond. Under Section 496 BNSS, that High Court may direct any Magistrate to levy the amount due on the bond.

When Section 496 BNSS Does Not Apply

  • Section 496 BNSS speaks of a direction to a Magistrate to levy the amount due on a bond. It does not deal with the procedure when a bond has been forfeited, which is the subject of Section 491 BNSS.
  • Section 496 BNSS speaks of a bond for appearance or attendance at such High Court or Court of Session. It does not deal with the procedure in case of insolvency or death of a surety, which is the subject of Section 493 BNSS.

Section 496 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 496 BNSS replaces Section 450 CrPC from the old criminal code.

From 1 July 2024, Section 496 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced Section 450 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The heading is the same and the text is the same.

View CrPC Section 450 →

FAQs on Section 496 BNSS

Who may direct a Magistrate under Section 496 BNSS?▼

Under Section 496 BNSS, the High Court or Court of Session may direct any Magistrate to levy the amount due on a bond for appearance or attendance at such High Court or Court of Session.

Which bond does Section 496 BNSS refer to?▼

Section 496 BNSS refers to a bond for appearance or attendance at such High Court or Court of Session.

Which Magistrate may be directed under Section 496 BNSS?▼

Section 496 BNSS says that the High Court or Court of Session may direct any Magistrate.

What changed from Section 450 CrPC to Section 496 BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

From 1 July 2024, Section 496 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced Section 450 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Section 496 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 450 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: 22 Oct 2026 ·