Section 472 CrPC: Continuing offence

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 472 CrPC at a Glance

Section 472 CrPC deals with continuing offence. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 518 BNSS.

Now BNSS

Section 518 →

What Section 472 CrPC Says

472. 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 472, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 472 CrPC in Simple Words

Section 472 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 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 472 CrPC Applies

  • Section 472 CrPC applies in the case of a continuing offence.
  • Section 472 CrPC applies to the time during which the offence continues.

Time Limits Under Section 472 CrPC

  • 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 472 CrPC

The offence alleged against Ravi is a continuing offence, and the offence continues from a Monday to a Friday. Under Section 472 CrPC, 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 472 CrPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 472 CrPC speaks of a continuing offence. It does not deal with Section 469 CrPC, headed Commencement of the period of limitation.
  • Section 472 CrPC speaks of a fresh period of limitation. It does not deal with Section 473 CrPC, headed Extension of period of limitation in certain cases.

Section 472 CrPC Under BNSS 518: What Changed

Section 472 CrPC is now covered under Section 518 BNSS.

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 detailed comparison (CrPC 472 vs BNSS 518) →

FAQs on Section 472 CrPC

What is the subject of Section 472 CrPC?▼

Section 472 CrPC 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 472 CrPC?▼

Section 472 CrPC 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 472 CrPC define a continuing offence?▼

Section 472 CrPC refers to a continuing offence. Its text does not define the term.

Where is Section 472 CrPC found in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

From 1 July 2024, Section 472 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 518 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: 22 Oct 2026 ·