Section 195A CrPC: Procedure for witnesses in case of threatening, etc

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 195A CrPC at a Glance

Section 195A CrPC deals with procedure for witnesses in case of threatening, etc. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 216 BNSS.

Now BNSS

Section 216 →

What Section 195A CrPC Says

195A. Procedure for witnesses in case of threatening, etc

A witness or any other person may file a complaint in relation to an offence under section 195A of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).

Source: Section 195A, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 195A CrPC in Simple Words

Section 195A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is headed Procedure for witnesses in case of threatening, etc. It says that a witness or any other person may file a complaint in relation to an offence under section 195A of the Indian Penal Code.

When Section 195A CrPC Applies

  • A witness may file a complaint in relation to an offence under section 195A of the Indian Penal Code.
  • Any other person may also file a complaint in relation to an offence under section 195A of the Indian Penal Code.

Example of Section 195A CrPC

Ramesh is a witness. Under Section 195A CrPC, Ramesh may file a complaint in relation to an offence under section 195A of the Indian Penal Code. Kavita is not a witness. Under the same words, Kavita is any other person and may file a complaint in relation to that offence.

When Section 195A CrPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 195A CrPC speaks of a complaint in relation to an offence under section 195A of the Indian Penal Code. It does not deal with a complaint in relation to an offence under any other section of the Indian Penal Code.
  • Section 195A CrPC speaks of who may file a complaint. It does not deal with the trial of the offence.

Section 195A CrPC Under BNSS 216: What Changed

Section 195A CrPC is now covered under Section 216 BNSS.

Section 195A CrPC is found in Section 216 BNSS from 1 July 2024. The heading is the same and the text is the same except for the cross-reference, which is to section 232 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 in Section 216 BNSS and to section 195A of the Indian Penal Code in Section 195A CrPC.

View detailed comparison (CrPC 195A vs BNSS 216) →

FAQs on Section 195A CrPC

Who may file a complaint under Section 195A CrPC?▼

A witness or any other person may file a complaint under Section 195A CrPC. The complaint is in relation to an offence under section 195A of the Indian Penal Code.

Is Section 195A CrPC limited to witnesses?▼

Section 195A CrPC says a witness or any other person may file a complaint. The words any other person are in the text next to the word witness.

Which offence is a complaint under Section 195A CrPC in relation to?▼

The complaint is in relation to an offence under section 195A of the Indian Penal Code. Section 195A CrPC names no other offence.

Where is Section 195A CrPC found in the BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 195A CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 216 BNSS.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 · Last updated: 20 Oct 2026 ·