Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973 - Overview And FAQ

The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) was the primary procedural law for criminal cases in India until it was replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) on July 1, 2024. It governed the investigation, trial, and administration of criminal justice in India.

CrPC 1973 Chapters & Sections

CrPC 1973 Sections

BNSS vs CrPC Comparison

Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, was replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, effective July 1, 2024.

Background and Timeline

Structure

The CrPC comprised 37 chapters and 484 sections. The outline of the Code is as follows:

ChaptersSectionsClassification of Provisions
Chapter 1Sections 1 to 5Preliminary
Chapter 2Sections 6 to 25AConstitution of Criminal Courts and Offices
Chapter 3Sections 26 to 35Power of Courts
Chapter 4Sections 36 to 40Powers of Superior Officers of Police
Chapter 5Sections 41 to 60AArrest of Persons
Chapter 6Sections 61 to 90Processes to Compel Appearance
Summons (61 to 69)
Warrant of Arrest (70 to 81)
Proclamation and Attachment (82 to 86)
Chapter 7Sections 91 to 105Processes to Compel Production of Things
Search Warrants (91 to 101)
General Provisions (102 to 105)
Chapter 8Sections 106 to 110Security for Keeping the Peace and for Good Behaviour
Chapter 9Sections 111 to 124Order for Maintenance of Wives, Children, and Parents
Chapter 10Sections 125 to 128Maintenance of Public Order and Tranquility
Chapter 11Sections 129 to 148Preventive Action of the Police
Chapter 12Sections 149 to 153Information to the Police and Their Powers to Investigate
Chapter 13Sections 154 to 176Jurisdiction of Criminal Courts in Inquiries and Trials
Chapter 14Sections 177 to 189Conditions Requisite for Initiation of Proceedings
Chapter 15Sections 190 to 199Complaints to Magistrates
Chapter 16Sections 200 to 203Commencement of Proceedings Before Magistrates
Chapter 17Sections 204 to 210The Charge
Chapter 18Sections 211 to 224Trial Before a Court of Session
Chapter 19Sections 225 to 237Trial of Warrant-Cases by Magistrates
Chapter 20Sections 238 to 250Trial of Summons-Cases by Magistrates
Chapter 21Sections 251 to 259Summary Trials
Chapter 22Sections 260 to 265Attendance of Persons Confined or Detained in Prisons
Chapter 23Sections 266 to 271Evidence in Inquiries and Trials
Chapter 24Sections 272 to 299General Provisions as to Inquiries and Trials
Chapter 25Sections 300 to 327Provisions as to Accused Persons of Unsound Mind
Chapter 26Sections 328 to 339Provisions as to Offences Affecting the Administration of Justice
Chapter 27Sections 340 to 352The Judgment
Chapter 28Sections 353 to 365Submission of Death Sentences for Confirmation
Chapter 29Sections 366 to 371Appeals
Chapter 30Sections 372 to 394Reference and Revision
Chapter 31Sections 395 to 405Transfer of Criminal Cases
Chapter 32Sections 406 to 412Execution, Suspension, Remission, and Commutation of Sentences
Chapter 33Sections 413 to 416Provisions as to Bail and Bonds
Chapter 34Sections 417 to 420Disposal of Property
Chapter 35Sections 421 to 424Irregular Proceedings
Chapter 36Sections 425 to 440Limitation for Taking Cognizance of Certain Offences
Chapter 37Sections 441 to 484Miscellaneous

Key Features and Objectives

The CrPC was designed to:

Implementation

Key Considerations

FAQs on The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973

The CrPC, 1973 was the primary procedural law for criminal cases in India, governing investigation, trial, and administration of justice until it was replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, on July 1, 2024.

The CrPC was enacted on April 1, 1974, and was replaced by the BNSS on July 1, 2024.

The CrPC aimed to:

  • Ensure fair and transparent criminal trials.
  • Protect the rights of accused, victims, and witnesses.
  • Provide clear procedures for investigation, arrest, and adjudication.

The CrPC covered procedures for arrest, investigation, bail, trial (sessions, warrant, summons, summary), appeals, and maintenance of public order.

The CrPC provided for bail in bailable and non-bailable offences, with conditions outlined in Sections 436-439, ensuring judicial discretion and accused rights.

Post-2005 amendments, the CrPC introduced victim compensation (Section 357) and protections, especially for women and children, during trials.

The CrPC was replaced due to procedural delays, complex processes, and lack of provisions for modern issues like digital investigations, necessitating a streamlined framework.

Notable amendments in 2005 and 2013 introduced victim compensation, plea bargaining, and enhanced protections for women during investigations and trials.

The CrPC lacked specific provisions for cybercrime investigations, relying on general investigation powers, supplemented by the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The full text, including all sections and details, is available on websites like indialawacts.in.

Download Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 Resources

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973COMPARISON SUMMARY CrPC to BNSSCrPC- AppendixCrPC- Schedule ICrPC- Schedule II (Forms)

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The following chapters and sections are sourced from the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. This information is for educational purposes only; verify with official sources (e.g., India Code) for legal use. We are not liable for errors or consequences from use.