Section 232 CrPC: Acquittal

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 232 CrPC at a Glance

Section 232 CrPC deals with acquittal. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 255 BNSS.

Now BNSS

Section 255 →

What Section 232 CrPC Says

232. Acquittal

If, after taking the evidence for the prosecution, examining the accused and hearing the prosecution and the defence on the point, the Judge considers that there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence, the Judge shall record an order of acquittal.

Source: Section 232, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 232 CrPC in Simple Words

Section 232 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 deals with acquittal. The Judge shall record an order of acquittal when the Judge considers that no evidence shows the accused committed the offence. The Judge can pass this order only after taking the evidence for the prosecution, after examining the accused and after hearing the defence and the prosecution on that point.

When Section 232 CrPC Applies

  • Section 232 CrPC applies after the Judge has taken the evidence for the prosecution, examined the accused and heard the prosecution and the defence on the point.
  • The Judge records the order of acquittal when the Judge considers that there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence.

Example of Section 232 CrPC

Ramesh is tried before a Judge. The Judge takes the evidence for the prosecution, examines Ramesh and hears the prosecution and the defence on the point. The Judge considers that there is no evidence that Ramesh committed the offence. Under Section 232 CrPC, the Judge shall record an order of acquittal.

When Section 232 CrPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 232 CrPC speaks of an order of acquittal where the Judge considers that there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence. It does not deal with discharge, which is the subject of Section 227 CrPC.
  • Section 232 CrPC speaks of an order of acquittal on the Judge's consideration that there is no evidence. It does not deal with the judgment of acquittal or conviction after arguments, which is the subject of Section 235 CrPC.

Section 232 CrPC Under BNSS 255: What Changed

Section 232 CrPC is now covered under Section 255 BNSS.

From 1 July 2024, Section 232 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found in Section 255 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Both sections have the same heading, Acquittal, and the same text. Neither text refers to another section.

View detailed comparison (CrPC 232 vs BNSS 255) →

FAQs on Section 232 CrPC

When shall the Judge record an order of acquittal under Section 232 CrPC?▼

The Judge shall record an order of acquittal when, after taking the evidence for the prosecution, examining the accused and hearing the prosecution and the defence on the point, the Judge considers that there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence.

Whom does the Judge hear before recording an order of acquittal under Section 232 CrPC?▼

Section 232 CrPC speaks of hearing the prosecution and the defence on the point, after taking the evidence for the prosecution and examining the accused.

Does Section 232 CrPC state a time limit for the order of acquittal?▼

No. Section 232 CrPC does not state a period of time. It names the stage at which the Judge considers whether there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence: after taking the evidence for the prosecution, examining the accused and hearing the prosecution and the defence on the point.

Where is Section 232 CrPC found in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

Section 232 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 255 BNSS from 1 July 2024.

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Sources: Bare Act Text, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 · Last updated: 26 Oct 2026 ·