CrPC to BNSS Section Mapping: The Old-to-New Procedure Code Converter (2026)
A plain-English converter from old CrPC section numbers to the new BNSS numbers, with what each section does and what changed in practice. Last verified October 2026.
Reference · Criminal Procedure
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973 from 1 July 2024, and most procedural sections were renumbered. For example, FIR moved from CrPC 154 to BNSS 173, statements to police from CrPC 161 to BNSS 180, anticipatory bail from CrPC 438 to BNSS 482, and inherent powers from CrPC 482 to BNSS 528. This page gives a working conversion table for the most searched sections, explains what changed in practice, and flags where you should check the bare Act before you cite.
- In force: BNSS 2023 replaced the CrPC 1973 from 1 July 2024.
- Most asked: CrPC 154 is BNSS 173. CrPC 161 is BNSS 180. CrPC 438 is BNSS 482. CrPC 482 is BNSS 528.
- Also useful: CrPC 41 is BNSS 35. CrPC 167 is BNSS 187. CrPC 125 is BNSS 144.
- Old cases: pending matters generally continue under the CrPC; new FIRs follow the BNSS.
01Why the renumbering causes trouble
The real problem with the BNSS is not the new law. It is that two numbering systems now live side by side in the same courtroom. Judgments, bail orders and textbooks written before July 2024 all use CrPC numbers, while new FIRs and fresh filings use BNSS numbers.
Old precedent speaks in old numbers
Almost every Supreme Court and High Court ruling on arrest, bail, remand or quashing refers to CrPC sections such as 41A, 167, 438 or 482. When you cite that ruling in a petition filed today, you must also give the matching BNSS section, or the court will ask you to.
Some sections moved, some merged, some split
Many sections simply changed numbers. Others were merged, broken into sub-sections, or given new provisos. So a one-to-one lookup is a good start, but it is not always the full answer. A mistake in a section number in a bail application or a quashing petition looks careless and can delay listing.
Search habits are stuck on the old code
Lawyers still say "438" and "482" in conversation, and clients search for the old numbers online. That is why a clean converter is useful.
The BNSS did not change the idea of anticipatory bail or FIR. It changed the number you must write: CrPC 438 is now BNSS 482, and CrPC 154 is now BNSS 173.
02CrPC to BNSS conversion table
The table below covers the procedural sections lawyers look up most often. Most rows were checked against published comparison charts and the text of the BNSS; rows marked "check bare Act" should be confirmed on India Code before you cite them.
| CrPC section | What it does | BNSS section |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | Arrest by police without warrant | 35 |
| 41A | Notice of appearance before police | 35(3) to 35(6) |
| 46 | How an arrest is made | 43 |
| 50 | Person arrested to be told grounds of arrest and bail rights | 47 |
| 57 | Person arrested not to be held more than 24 hours | 58 |
| 125 | Maintenance of wives, children and parents | 144 |
| 144 | Orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger | 163 |
| 154 | Information in cognizable cases (FIR) | 173 |
| 156 | Police power to investigate (156(3) is a Magistrate order for investigation) | 175 (156(3) maps to 175(3)) |
| 157 | Procedure for investigation | 176 |
| 160 | Police power to require attendance of witnesses | 179 (check bare Act) |
| 161 | Examination of witnesses by police | 180 |
| 164 | Recording of confessions and statements before a Magistrate | 183 |
| 167 | Remand and default bail period | 187 |
| 173 | Police report (chargesheet) on completion of investigation | 193 |
| 190 | Cognizance of offences by Magistrates | 210 (check bare Act) |
| 200 | Examination of the complainant | 223 |
| 202 | Postponement of issue of process | 225 |
| 227 | Discharge in Sessions cases | 250 |
| 436 | Bail in bailable offences | 478 |
| 436A | Maximum period of detention for undertrials | 479 |
| 437 | Bail by Magistrate in non-bailable offences | 480 |
| 438 | Anticipatory bail | 482 |
| 439 | Special bail powers of High Court and Sessions Court | 483 |
| 482 | Inherent powers of the High Court (quashing) | 528 |
Read the sub-section, not just the number
Where a CrPC section became a BNSS section with sub-sections (for example 41A to 35(3) onwards), always cite the sub-section. A wrong sub-section is a common reason for a defect note.
03What changed in practice, beyond the numbers
The BNSS is not only a renumbering. Several changes affect how you plan a criminal matter.
FIR and zero FIR
BNSS 173 allows information about a cognizable offence to be given by electronic communication. In that case the informant must sign it within three days for it to be recorded. Zero FIR, where a police station registers an FIR irrespective of where the offence happened and then transfers it, is also placed in the statute. For offences punishable with three years or more but less than seven, the police may hold a preliminary inquiry of up to 14 days with the permission of a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Arrest and notice
BNSS 35 replaces CrPC 41 and 41A. For offences punishable with less than three years, an arrest of an elderly or infirm person needs prior permission from an officer of DSP rank (BNSS 35(7)).
Custody and default bail
BNSS 187 keeps the default bail periods of 60 or 90 days, depending on the offence. The 15 days of police custody are now to be taken within the first 40 or 60 days of detention. Under BNSS 479 a first-time offender can be released on a bond after serving one third of the maximum sentence, subject to the conditions in the section.
Forensics
For offences punishable with seven years or more, BNSS requires a forensic expert to visit the crime scene and collect evidence. This is a real change in how investigations are meant to run, and it can be a point to raise when a chargesheet is thin.
Timelines in trial
The Sanhita adds time limits, such as supplying documents to the accused within 14 days (BNSS 230), deciding discharge applications within 60 days (BNSS 250 and 262), and delivering judgment in Sessions trials within 30 days of the end of arguments, extendable to 45 days.
04Old cases: which code applies
The BNSS applies to FIRs registered and proceedings started on or after 1 July 2024. Matters that were already pending before that date generally continue under the CrPC, because the BNSS has a repeal and savings clause.
In practice this means you may handle two kinds of files at once. An old FIR from 2022 stays on CrPC numbers for its trial and appeals. A new FIR from 2025 runs on BNSS numbers from the start. For a mixed case, such as an old offence with a fresh application, check which code governs that particular step.
The substantive offence is also changing in parallel. The Indian Penal Code was replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, so for the offence section numbers see our IPC to BNS section mapping.
05How to cite safely
A safe citation pairs the old and the new number. Write the BNSS section first, then the CrPC number in brackets, for example: "Section 482 BNSS (earlier Section 438 CrPC)". This helps the court read your precedents, which use the old number.
- Use the bare Act for anything you quote. The official BNSS text is on India Code.
- Check the sub-section and the proviso. New provisos often change the rule.
- Check the date of the FIR. It decides which code applies to the matter.
- Treat any converter, including this one, as a starting point. A table cannot show a merged or split section in full.
If you handle many criminal matters, a good system for tracking hearings and dates matters as much as the right section number. See our guide to case management software for criminal lawyers. For a deeper look at one provision lawyers still ask about, see Section 102 CrPC (seizure).
06Where Claw fits
Claw is an all-in-one legaltech platform for Indian advocates, law firms, and corporate legal teams, combining AI-based case search, an AI legal assistant (Legal GPT), case management, and compliance automation across all Indian courts and tribunals.
For a criminal practice in the BNSS transition, two parts are relevant. First, Claw’s case search lets you find judgments of the Supreme Court and 25 High Courts, so you can see how courts now treat BNSS 482 or BNSS 528 and cite verified authorities. Second, Claw’s case management tracks hearings, cause lists and orders across courts, with WhatsApp and email alerts, so your old CrPC matters and new BNSS matters sit in one diary. Claw has a free plan for individual advocates. Claw does not use customer case documents to train AI models.
Claw is not a substitute for reading the bare Act. Use it to find and track, and use India Code to confirm the section text.
07Sources and further reading
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (official text): indiacode.nic.in
- Ministry of Home Affairs (notification and explanatory material on the new criminal laws): mha.gov.in
- Claw: clawlaw.in
This is a reference aid, not legal advice. Last verified October 2026. Section numbers should be confirmed against the official text before filing.
08Frequently asked questions
When did the BNSS replace the CrPC?
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 from 1 July 2024. FIRs registered and proceedings started on or after that date follow the BNSS. Earlier matters generally continue under the CrPC.
What is the BNSS section for CrPC 438 (anticipatory bail)?
Anticipatory bail under CrPC 438 is now Section 482 of the BNSS. Regular bail provisions moved too: CrPC 437 is BNSS 480 and CrPC 439 is BNSS 483. Cite the BNSS number, and add the old number in brackets so older precedents are easy to follow.
What is the BNSS section for CrPC 482 (inherent powers)?
The inherent powers of the High Court under CrPC 482 are now Section 528 of the BNSS. Quashing petitions filed today are drafted under Section 528 BNSS. Note that CrPC 482 and BNSS 482 are different provisions, which is a common mix-up.
What is the BNSS section for CrPC 154 (FIR)?
FIR under CrPC 154 is now Section 173 of the BNSS. It also allows information by electronic communication, which must be signed within three days, and it places zero FIR in the statute.
Does the BNSS apply to old cases?
Generally no. Proceedings already pending on 1 July 2024 continue under the CrPC, while new FIRs follow the BNSS. For a mixed case, check which code governs the specific step, and confirm it on the official text.
Is a section converter enough to cite in court?
No. A converter is a quick starting point. Always confirm the section, sub-section and proviso on the official BNSS text on India Code, because some sections were merged or split and a table cannot show that fully.