Section 476 CrPC: Forms

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 476 CrPC at a Glance

Section 476 CrPC deals with forms. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 522 BNSS.

Now BNSS

Section 522 →

What Section 476 CrPC Says

476. Forms

Subject to the power conferred by article 227 of the Constitution, the forms set forth in the Second Schedule, with such variations as the circumstances of each case require, may be used for the respective purposes therein mentioned, and if used shall be sufficient.

Source: Section 476, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 476 CrPC in Simple Words

Section 476 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is headed Forms. It states that, subject to the power conferred by article 227 of the Constitution, the forms set forth in the Second Schedule, with such variations as the circumstances of each case require, may be used for the respective purposes therein mentioned, and if used shall be sufficient.

When Section 476 CrPC Applies

  • Section 476 CrPC is subject to the power conferred by article 227 of the Constitution.
  • Section 476 CrPC states that the forms set forth in the Second Schedule may be used for the respective purposes therein mentioned.
  • The forms may be used with such variations as the circumstances of each case require.
  • A form, if used, shall be sufficient.

Example of Section 476 CrPC

The case of Anita requires variations in a form set forth in the Second Schedule. The form is used with such variations as the circumstances of the case require, for the purpose therein mentioned. Under Section 476 CrPC, the form, if used, shall be sufficient.

When Section 476 CrPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 476 CrPC speaks of the forms set forth in the Second Schedule. It does not deal with Section 477 CrPC, headed Power of High Court to make rules.
  • Section 476 CrPC is subject to the power conferred by article 227 of the Constitution. It does not deal with how that power is exercised.

Section 476 CrPC Under BNSS 522: What Changed

Section 476 CrPC is now covered under Section 522 BNSS.

Section 476 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is found from 1 July 2024 as Section 522 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with the same heading and the same text. The text refers to article 227 of the Constitution and to the Second Schedule, and neither reference is renumbered.

View detailed comparison (CrPC 476 vs BNSS 522) →

FAQs on Section 476 CrPC

What does Section 476 CrPC provide about the Second Schedule?▼

Section 476 CrPC states that, subject to the power conferred by article 227 of the Constitution, the forms set forth in the Second Schedule, with such variations as the circumstances of each case require, may be used for the respective purposes therein mentioned, and if used shall be sufficient.

What does Section 476 CrPC say about variations in a form?▼

Section 476 CrPC states that the forms may be used with such variations as the circumstances of each case require.

What power is Section 476 CrPC subject to?▼

Section 476 CrPC is subject to the power conferred by article 227 of the Constitution.

Where is Section 476 CrPC found in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?▼

From 1 July 2024, Section 476 CrPC has no sub-sections, and maps as a whole to Section 522 BNSS.

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Sources: Bare Act Text, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 · Last updated: 21 Oct 2026 ·