BNS, BNSS & BSA: India's new criminal laws explained

What changed

On 1 July 2024, three new laws replaced the colonial-era framework of Indian criminal law: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973; and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) replaced the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

Much of the substance carries over from the earlier laws, but sections have been renumbered and reorganised, and there are important new provisions. Anyone dealing with a police complaint, FIR or criminal case should be aware of the changes.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (substantive offences)

The BNS defines offences and punishments. Key features include:

• Reorganisation: offences are consolidated into fewer sections, with offences against women and children grouped together near the beginning.
• New offences: organised crime and terrorist acts are now defined in the general criminal law, and causing death by a group on certain grounds (often described as mob lynching) is specifically addressed.
• Community service: introduced as a form of punishment for certain minor offences.
• Sedition: the former sedition provision is not retained in the same form; the BNS instead contains a provision on acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (procedure)

The BNSS governs investigation, arrest, bail and trial. Notable changes include:

• Zero FIR and e-FIR: information about a cognizable offence can be recorded at any police station regardless of jurisdiction, and provision is made for information to be given electronically.
• Technology: greater use of audio-video recording, including of search and seizure, and electronic modes for summons and proceedings.
• Forensics: forensic experts are to visit crime scenes for offences punishable with seven years' imprisonment or more.
• Timelines: specified time limits for various stages of investigation and trial, aimed at reducing delay.
• Renumbered provisions: for example, anticipatory bail is now in Section 482 and maintenance in Section 144 (formerly Sections 438 and 125 of the CrPC).

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (evidence)

The BSA largely retains the structure of the Evidence Act but updates it for digital records. Electronic and digital records are given expanded recognition as documents, and the rules on their admissibility, including certification requirements, have been revised.

What about pending cases?

As a general principle, the new laws apply to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. Offences committed before that date continue to be governed by the earlier laws, and the BNSS contains saving provisions for investigations, inquiries and trials that were pending when it came into force. How these transitional rules apply can depend on the stage of a case, so specific advice is important.

Practical points

• Check the date of the alleged offence to determine which law applies.
• When reading older judgments or documents, map IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act sections to their new equivalents.
• Preserve electronic evidence carefully, such as messages, emails and call records, as the rules on digital evidence have been updated.
• If you are named in an FIR or receive a notice from the police, seek advice promptly.

Quick reference: old and new sections

The table below maps some commonly cited provisions to their new equivalents. It is a quick guide only; wording and scope may differ, so always check the current text.

Frequently asked questions

This explainer is general information as of November 2026 and is not legal advice. It does not create an advocate-client relationship. Please seek advice on the specific facts of your matter.