Modern Criminal Laws & Statutory Concordance (2024)
Comprehensive guide and section-by-section concordance for India's modern criminal codes in force from 1 July 2024: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
Substantive Penal Code
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS)
Replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860. Defines offences, penalties, community service provisions, and modern legal standards for terrorism, organised crime, and snatching.
Criminal Procedure
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)
Replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973. Introduces mandatory Zero FIR (Section 173), audio-video search recording (Section 105), and digital summons.
Law of Evidence
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)
Replaced the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. Expands primary evidence standards for electronic and digital records, hashing integrity, and server logs.
Key Section Concordance Table (Old IPC/CrPC to New Sanhitas)
| Offence / Procedure | Old Law Section | New Sanhita Section | Key Statutory Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero FIR (Mandatory Registration) | CrPC Section 154 (Judicial precedent) | BNSS Section 173(1) | Mandatory registration irrespective of jurisdiction; transfer within 15 days. |
| Murder & Culpable Homicide | IPC Section 302 / 304 | BNS Section 103 / 105 | Categorisation of mob lynching and hate killings with life imprisonment or death. |
| Cheating & Dishonesty | IPC Section 420 | BNS Section 318(4) | Penalties reinforced; modern digital cheating incorporated. |
| Audio-Video Search & Seizure | CrPC Section 100 | BNSS Section 105 | Mandatory videography on smartphone/device during search or seizure. |
| Electronic Records as Evidence | Evidence Act Section 65B | BSA Section 61 / 63 | Electronic records treated as primary document evidence when hashed and certified. |