BNS, BNSS & BSA: What Replaced the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act
India's criminal law framework was recast in 2024 into three new statutes. Section numbers changed; substantive principles are largely continuous.
The three new codes
- BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) — replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
- BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) — replaces the CrPC
- BSA (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam) — replaces the Evidence Act
Key BNSS cross-references
- Regular bail: §480 BNSS (was §437 CrPC)
- Anticipatory bail: §482 BNSS (was §438 CrPC)
- HC/Sessions bail powers: §483 BNSS (was §439 CrPC)
- Inherent powers / quashing: §528 BNSS (was §482 CrPC)