Section 473 CrPC: Extension of period of limitation in certain cases

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 473 CrPC at a Glance

Section 473 CrPC deals with extension of period of limitation in certain cases. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 519 BNSS.

Now BNSS

Section 519 →

What Section 473 CrPC Says

473. 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 473, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 473 CrPC in Simple Words

Section 473 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 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 473 CrPC Applies

  • Section 473 CrPC 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 473 CrPC opens with the words notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter.

Example of Section 473 CrPC

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 473 CrPC, the Court may take cognizance of the offence after the expiry of the period of limitation.

When Section 473 CrPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 473 CrPC speaks of taking cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation. It does not deal with Section 469 CrPC, headed Commencement of the period of limitation.
  • Section 473 CrPC speaks of taking cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation. It does not deal with Section 470 CrPC, headed Exclusion of time in certain cases.

Section 473 CrPC Under BNSS 519: What Changed

Section 473 CrPC is now covered under Section 519 BNSS.

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 detailed comparison (CrPC 473 vs BNSS 519) →

FAQs on Section 473 CrPC

When may a Court take cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation under Section 473 CrPC?▼

Section 473 CrPC 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 473 CrPC open?▼

Section 473 CrPC opens with the words notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter.

Does Section 473 CrPC define when a delay has been properly explained?▼

Section 473 CrPC 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.

Where is Section 473 CrPC found in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

From 1 July 2024, Section 473 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 519 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: 21 Oct 2026 ·