CRPC §255 → BNSS §278
Acquittal or conviction
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Comparison
255. Acquittal or conviction.—(1) If the Magistrate, upon taking the evidence referred to in section 254 and such further evidence, if any, as he may, of his own motion, cause to be produced, finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal.
(2) Where the Magistrate does not proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 325 or section 360, he shall, if he finds the accused guilty, pass sentence upon him according to law.
(3) A Magistrate may, under section 252 or section 255, convict the accused of any offence triable under this Chapter, which from the facts admitted or proved he appears to have committed, whatever may be the nature of the complaint or summons, if the Magistrate is satisfied that the accused would not be prejudiced thereby.
278.
(1) If the Magistrate, upon taking the evidence referred to in section 277 and such further evidence, if any, as he may, of his own motion, cause to be produced, finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal.
(2) Where the Magistrate does not proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 364 or section 401, he shall, if he finds the accused guilty, pass sentence upon him according to law.
(3) A Magistrate may, under section 275 or section 278, convict the accused of any offence triable under this Chapter, which from the facts admitted or proved he appears to have committed, whatever may be the nature of the complaint or summons, if the Magistrate is satisfied that the accused would not be prejudiced thereby.
What changedAI-inferred
Acquittal or conviction.
Old position
CrPC 255 is concerned with Acquittal or conviction. Acquittal or conviction
New position
BNSS 278 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Acquittal or conviction.. If the Magistrate, upon taking the evidence referred to in section 277 and such further evidence, if any, as he may, of his own motion, cause to be produced, finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal
BNSS 278 (Acquittal or conviction.) preserves the framework of CrPC 255. BNSS 278 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. BNSS 278 text: If the Magistrate, upon taking the evidence referred...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNSS 278 (Acquittal or conviction.) preserves the framework of CrPC 255. BNSS 278 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BNSS 278 text: If the Magistrate, upon taking the evidence referred to in section 277 and such further evidence, if any, as he may, of his own motion, cause to be produced, finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal.(2) Where the Magistrate does not proceed in accordance with the provisions of section 364 or...
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, CrPC 255 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNSS 278 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 278 (Acquittal or conviction.). 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 §255 → BNSS §278 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/crpc/255.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
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