Section 519 BNSS: Extension of period of limitation in certain cases

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 519 BNSS at a Glance

Section 519 BNSS deals with extension of period of limitation in certain cases. It replaced Section 473 CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Section 519 BNSS Bare Act Text

519. Extension of period of limitation in certain cases

Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter, any Court may take cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation, if it is satisfied on the facts and in the circumstances of the case that the delay has been properly explained or that it is necessary so to do in the interests of justice.

Source: Section 519, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 519 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 519 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 is headed Extension of period of limitation in certain cases.

It states that, notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter, any Court may take cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation, if it is satisfied on the facts and in the circumstances of the case that the delay has been properly explained or that it is necessary so to do in the interests of justice.

When Section 519 BNSS Applies

  • Section 519 BNSS states that any Court may take cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation.
  • The Court may do so if it is satisfied on the facts and in the circumstances of the case that the delay has been properly explained or that it is necessary so to do in the interests of justice.
  • Section 519 BNSS opens with the words notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter.

Example of Section 519 BNSS

The period of limitation for an offence against Deepa expired before the Court was approached. The Court is satisfied on the facts and in the circumstances of the case that the delay has been properly explained. Under Section 519 BNSS, the Court may take cognizance of the offence after the expiry of the period of limitation.

When Section 519 BNSS Does Not Apply

  • Section 519 BNSS speaks of taking cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation. It does not deal with Section 515 BNSS, headed Commencement of period of limitation.
  • Section 519 BNSS speaks of taking cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation. It does not deal with Section 516 BNSS, headed Exclusion of time in certain cases.

Section 519 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 519 BNSS replaces Section 473 CrPC from the old criminal code.

Section 473 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found from 1 July 2024 as Section 519 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with the same heading and the same text. The text refers to the foregoing provisions of this Chapter and names no section number, so no cross-reference is renumbered.

View CrPC Section 473 โ†’

FAQs on Section 519 BNSS

When may a Court take cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation under Section 519 BNSS?โ–ผ

Section 519 BNSS states that any Court may take cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation, if it is satisfied on the facts and in the circumstances of the case that the delay has been properly explained or that it is necessary so to do in the interests of justice.

How does Section 519 BNSS open?โ–ผ

Section 519 BNSS opens with the words notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter.

Does Section 519 BNSS define when a delay has been properly explained?โ–ผ

Section 519 BNSS uses the words that the delay has been properly explained and the words that it is necessary so to do in the interests of justice. Its text does not define either.

What changed from Section 473 CrPC to Section 519 BNSS from 1 July 2024?โ–ผ

Section 519 BNSS has the same heading and the same text as Section 473 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 ยท Last updated: 21 Oct 2026 ยท