Definitions.
What this section does
This section sets out definitions for key terms used throughout the Sanhita, including bail, bailable and non-bailable offences, cognizable and non-cognizable offences, complaint, investigation, inquiry, police report, Public Prosecutor, victim, summons-case, warrant-case, and others. It also introduces new definitions for audio-video electronic means and electronic communication reflecting technological developments. Words not defined here but defined in the Information Technology Act, 2000 or the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 carry the meanings assigned in those enactments.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Procedure at a glance
- Key actors
- Magistrate · Police officer · Public Prosecutor · State Government · Central Government
Derived from CrPC s.2.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNSS Section 2, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNSS Section 2 forms part of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita which replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.