Section 518 BNSS: Continuing offence

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 518 BNSS at a Glance

Section 518 BNSS deals with continuing offence. It replaced Section 472 CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Was CrPC

Section 472 →

Section 518 BNSS Bare Act Text

518. Continuing offence

In the case of a continuing offence, a fresh period of limitation shall begin to run at every moment of the time during which the offence continues.

Source: Section 518, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 518 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 518 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 is headed Continuing offence. It states that in the case of a continuing offence, a fresh period of limitation shall begin to run at every moment of the time during which the offence continues.

When Section 518 BNSS Applies

  • Section 518 BNSS applies in the case of a continuing offence.
  • Section 518 BNSS applies to the time during which the offence continues.

Time Limits Under Section 518 BNSS

  • A fresh period of limitation shall begin to run at every moment of the time during which the offence continues.Act text: “a fresh period of limitation shall begin to run at every moment of the time during which the offence continues”

Example of Section 518 BNSS

The offence alleged against Ravi is a continuing offence, and the offence continues from a Monday to a Friday. Under Section 518 BNSS, a fresh period of limitation shall begin to run at every moment of the time during which the offence continues, which includes every moment from the Monday to the Friday.

When Section 518 BNSS Does Not Apply

  • Section 518 BNSS speaks of a continuing offence. It does not deal with Section 515 BNSS, headed Commencement of period of limitation.
  • Section 518 BNSS speaks of a fresh period of limitation. It does not deal with Section 519 BNSS, headed Extension of period of limitation in certain cases.

Section 518 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 518 BNSS replaces Section 472 CrPC from the old criminal code.

Section 472 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found from 1 July 2024 as Section 518 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with the same heading and the same text. The text contains no cross-reference to another section, so none is renumbered.

View CrPC Section 472 →

FAQs on Section 518 BNSS

What is the subject of Section 518 BNSS?▼

Section 518 BNSS is headed Continuing offence. It speaks of the case of a continuing offence.

When does a fresh period of limitation begin to run under Section 518 BNSS?▼

Section 518 BNSS states that in the case of a continuing offence, a fresh period of limitation shall begin to run at every moment of the time during which the offence continues.

Does Section 518 BNSS define a continuing offence?▼

Section 518 BNSS refers to a continuing offence. Its text does not define the term.

What changed from Section 472 CrPC to Section 518 BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 518 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 472 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 ·