AIBE 2026 – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Complete Bare Act Revision Guide
1. Introduction & Courts (Chapters I & II)
Purpose of BNSS: To consolidate and amend the law relating to criminal procedure, replacing the CrPC 1973. It focuses on integrating technology, standardizing forensic evidence, and speeding up justice delivery.
Key Definitions (Sec 2)
- Audio-video electronic means: Includes video conferencing, recording of identification, search, and seizure.
- Cognizable offence: An offence for which a police officer may arrest without a warrant.
Constitution of Criminal Courts
| Court | Presiding Officer | Powers (Sec 21-23) |
|---|---|---|
| Court of Session | Sessions Judge | Any sentence authorized by law (Death requires HC confirmation) |
| Judicial Magistrate 1st Class | JMFC | Imprisonment up to 3 years, fine up to ₹50,000 |
| Judicial Magistrate 2nd Class | JMFC 2nd Class | Imprisonment up to 1 year, fine up to ₹10,000 |
2. Arrest of Persons & Process (Chapters V & VI)
Arrest (Sec 35 - 62)
- Sec 35: Police can arrest without warrant in cognizable cases.
- Sec 43(3): Handcuffing is strictly limited to heinous crimes (terrorism, rape, murder, economic offences) based on the gravity of the offence.
- Sec 47: Rights of the arrested person to meet an advocate of their choice during interrogation.
Process to Compel Appearance
| Feature | Summons (Sec 63) | Warrant (Sec 72) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Order to appear | Order to arrest and bring to court |
| Service | Can now be served electronically (e-summons) | Executed by police |
3. FIR and Investigation (Chapter XIII)
Information to Police (Sec 173)
Information in cognizable cases (FIR) can now be given electronically (e-FIR), but the informant must sign it within 3 days for it to be recorded. This section legally embeds the "Zero FIR" concept.
Forensics & Search (Sec 176 & 105)
- Forensic expert visits are mandatory for offences punishable by 7 years or more.
- Search and seizure procedures must be recorded via audio-video electronic means.
Police Custody Remand (Sec 187)
Maximum 15 days of police custody can be sought in parts within the first 40 days (for 10-year+ offences) or 60 days (for others).
4. Trials and Charges
| Trial Type | Sections | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sessions Trial | Sec 248 - 260 | For serious offences. Requires framing of a formal charge. |
| Warrant Case | Sec 261 - 273 | Offences punishable with death, life, or >2 yrs. |
| Summons Case | Sec 274 - 282 | Less serious offences. No formal charge required. |
| Summary Trial | Sec 283 - 288 | Speedy trial for petty offences. Max sentence is 6 months. |
5. Bail and Bonds (Chapter XXXV)
- Sec 478-480: Grant of bail in bailable and non-bailable offences.
- Sec 482 (Anticipatory Bail): Direction for grant of bail to a person apprehending arrest.
- Sec 479 (Under-trial Prisoners): First-time offenders can be released on bail after serving one-third of the maximum punishment for their alleged crime.
6. AIBE 2026 Practice Questions
1. Which BNSS section explicitly deals with the recording of an FIR?
A) Sec 154 B) Sec 173 C) Sec 193 D) Sec 200
2. Anticipatory bail is provided under BNSS Section:
A) Sec 438 B) Sec 480 C) Sec 482 D) Sec 484
3. Under BNSS, summary trial maximum sentence is:
A) 3 months B) 6 months C) 1 year D) 2 years