CRPC §228 → BNSS §251
Framing of charge
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228. Framing of charge.—(1) If, after such consideration and hearing as aforesaid, the Judge is of opinion that there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence which— (a) is not exclusively triable by the Court of Session, he may, frame a charge against the accused and, by order, transfer the case for trial to the Chief Judicial Magistrate, 3[or any other Judicial Magistrate of the first class and direct the accused to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, or, as the case may be, the Judicial Magistrate of the first class, on such date as he deems fit, and thereupon such Magistrate] shall try the offence in accordance with the procedure for the trial of 1. Subs. by Act 25 of 2005, s. 21, for “Magistrate” (w.e.f. 23-6-2006). 2. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for certain words (w.e.f. 23-6-2006). 3. Subs. by s. 22, ibid., for certain words (w.e.f. 23-6-2006). warrant-cases instituted on a police report; (b) is exclusively triable by the Court, he shall frame in writing a charge against the accused.
(2) Where the Judge frames any charge under clause (b) of sub-section (1), the charge shall be read and explained to the accused and the accused shall be asked whether he pleads guilty of the offence charged or claims to be tried. STATE AMENDMENT Chhattisgarh In sub-section
(2) of section 228 of the Principal Act, after the word “to the accused” the following shall be added, namely: — “present in person of through the medium of electronic video linkage and being represented by his pleader in the Court.” [Vide Chhattisgarh Act 13 of 2006, s. 4.] Karnataka Amendment of section 228.- In section 228 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Central Act 2 of 1974), in sub-section (1), in clause (a), for the words “to the Chief Judicial Magistrate and thereupon the Chief Judicial Magistrate” the words “to the Chief Judicial Magistrate or to any Judicial Magistrate competent to try the case and thereupon the Chief Judicial Magistrate or such other Judicial magistrate to whom the case may have been transferred” shall be substituted. [Vide Karnataka Act 22 of 1994, s. 2.] West Bengal In section 228 of the said Code, in clause (a) of sub-section
(1) of section 228, for the words “to the Chief Judicial Magistrate, and thereupon the Chief Judicial Magistrate” the words “to the Chief Judicial Magistrate or to any Judicial Magistrate competent to try the case, and thereupon the Chief Judicial Magistrate or such other Judicial Magistrate to whom the case may have been transferred” shall be substituted. [Vide West Bengal Act 63 of 1978, s. 3.]
251.
(1) If, after such consideration and hearing as aforesaid, the Judge is of opinion that there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence which— (a) is not exclusively triable by the Court of Session, he may, frame a charge against the accused and, by order, transfer the case for trial to the Chief Judicial Magistrate, or any other Judicial Magistrate of the first class and direct the accused to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, or the Judicial Magistrate of the first class, on such date as he deems fit, and thereupon such Magistrate shall try the offence in accordance with the procedure for the trial of warrant-cases instituted on a police report; (b) is exclusively triable by the Court, he shall frame in writing a charge against the accused within a period of sixty days from the date of first hearing on charge. Withdrawal of remaining charges on conviction on one of several charges. Trial to be conducted by Public Prosecutor. Opening case for prosecution. Discharge. Framing of charge.
(2) Where the Judge frames any charge under clause (b) of sub-section (1), the charge shall be read and explained to the accused present either physically or through audio-video electronic means and the accused shall be asked whether he pleads guilty of the offence charged or claims to be tried.
What changedAI-inferred
Framing of charge.
Old position
CrPC 228 is concerned with Framing of charge. Framing of charge
New position
BNSS 251 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Framing of charge. 1]. If, after such consideration and hearing as aforesaid, the Judge is of opinion that there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence which
BNSS 251 (Framing of charge. 1]) preserves the framework of CrPC 228. BNSS 251 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. BNSS 251 text: If, after such consideration and hearing as aforesaid,...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNSS 251 (Framing of charge. 1]) preserves the framework of CrPC 228. BNSS 251 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BNSS 251 text: If, after such consideration and hearing as aforesaid, the Judge is of opinion that there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence which— (a) is not exclusively triable by the Court of Session, he may, frame a charge against the accused and, by order, transfer the case for trial to the Chief...
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, CrPC 228 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNSS 251 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNSS 251 (Framing of charge. 1]). The relationship is classified as substantively_same — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, CRPC §228 → BNSS §251 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/crpc/228.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
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