Section 214 CrPC: Words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishable

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 214 CrPC at a Glance

Section 214 CrPC deals with words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishable. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 237 BNSS.

Now BNSS

Section 237 →

What Section 214 CrPC Says

214. Words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishable

In every charge words used in describing an offence shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable.

Source: Section 214, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 214 CrPC in Simple Words

Section 214 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 deals with the words used in describing an offence in a charge. Those words shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable.

When Section 214 CrPC Applies

  • Section 214 CrPC applies to words used in describing an offence in a charge.
  • The sense of those words is the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable.

Example of Section 214 CrPC

A charge against Arjun uses words in describing an offence. Arjun says those words should be read in their everyday sense. Under Section 214 CrPC, the words shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable, and not in the everyday sense Arjun suggests.

When Section 214 CrPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 214 CrPC speaks of the sense of words used in describing an offence in a charge. It does not deal with the effect of an error in a charge, which Section 215 CrPC covers.
  • Section 214 CrPC speaks of the sense of words used in describing an offence. It does not deal with altering or adding to a charge, which Section 216 CrPC covers.

Section 214 CrPC Under BNSS 237: What Changed

Section 214 CrPC is now covered under Section 237 BNSS.

Section 237 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has the same heading and the same text as Section 214 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Only the section number and the name of the Code differ.

View detailed comparison (CrPC 214 vs BNSS 237) →

FAQs on Section 214 CrPC

How are words describing an offence in a charge understood under Section 214 CrPC?▼

In every charge, words used in describing an offence shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable.

Which law gives the sense of the words used in a charge under Section 214 CrPC?▼

The law under which such offence is punishable. Section 214 CrPC says the words are deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by that law.

To which words does Section 214 CrPC apply?▼

Section 214 CrPC applies to words used in describing an offence in a charge.

Where is Section 214 CrPC found in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 was replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 from 1 July 2024. Section 214 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 237 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 ·