Section 474 CrPC: Trials before High Courts

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 474 CrPC at a Glance

Section 474 CrPC deals with trials before High Courts. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 520 BNSS.

Now BNSS

Section 520 →

What Section 474 CrPC Says

474. Trials before High Courts

When an offence is tried by the High Court otherwise than under section 407, it shall, in the trial of the offence, observe the same procedure as a Court of Session would observe if it were trying the case.

Source: Section 474, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 474 CrPC in Simple Words

Section 474 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is headed Trials before High Courts. It states that when an offence is tried by the High Court otherwise than under Section 407 CrPC, the High Court shall, in the trial of the offence, observe the same procedure as a Court of Session would observe if it were trying the case.

When Section 474 CrPC Applies

  • Section 474 CrPC applies when an offence is tried by the High Court otherwise than under Section 407 CrPC.
  • In the trial of the offence, the High Court shall observe the same procedure as a Court of Session would observe if it were trying the case.

Example of Section 474 CrPC

The High Court tries an offence alleged against Imran otherwise than under Section 407 CrPC. In the trial of the offence, the High Court shall observe the same procedure as a Court of Session would observe if it were trying the case.

When Section 474 CrPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 474 CrPC speaks of an offence tried by the High Court otherwise than under Section 407 CrPC. It does not state the procedure for a trial under Section 407 CrPC, headed Power of High Court to transfer cases and appeals.
  • Section 474 CrPC speaks of the procedure the High Court shall observe in the trial of an offence. It does not deal with Section 477 CrPC, headed Power of High Court to make rules.

Section 474 CrPC Under BNSS 520: What Changed

Section 474 CrPC is now covered under Section 520 BNSS.

Section 474 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found from 1 July 2024 as Section 520 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with the same heading. The text is the same except that Section 520 BNSS refers to Section 447 BNSS where Section 474 CrPC refers to Section 407 CrPC. Section 447 BNSS and Section 407 CrPC are both headed Power of High Court to transfer cases and appeals.

View detailed comparison (CrPC 474 vs BNSS 520) →

FAQs on Section 474 CrPC

What procedure shall the High Court observe under Section 474 CrPC?▼

Section 474 CrPC states that when an offence is tried by the High Court otherwise than under Section 407 CrPC, the High Court shall, in the trial of the offence, observe the same procedure as a Court of Session would observe if it were trying the case.

Which section is named in Section 474 CrPC?▼

Section 474 CrPC names Section 407 CrPC, headed Power of High Court to transfer cases and appeals.

Whose procedure is referred to in Section 474 CrPC?▼

Section 474 CrPC refers to the procedure a Court of Session would observe if it were trying the case.

Where is Section 474 CrPC found in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

From 1 July 2024, Section 474 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 520 BNSS. Section 407 CrPC, named in Section 474 CrPC, is named as Section 447 BNSS in Section 520 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 ·