Prosecution for contempt of lawful authority of public servants, for offences against public justice and for offences relating to documents given in evidence.
What this section does
No Court may take cognizance of offences under BNS sections 206–223 (excluding 209) or related abetment/conspiracy except on a written complaint by the concerned public servant or an authorised superior. Similarly, offences under specified BNS sections committed in relation to court proceedings, or offences relating to documents given in evidence in court, require a written complaint by that Court or an officer authorised by it. A complaint under clause (a) may be withdrawn by the competent authority before conclusion of trial in the court of first instance. The term 'Court' includes civil, revenue, and criminal courts and specified tribunals.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Procedure at a glance
- Key actors
- Court · Public servant · Authorised officer of Court · Competent authority
- Time limit
- Withdrawal of complaint not permitted after trial in court of first instance is concluded
Derived from CrPC s.195.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNSS Section 215, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNSS Section 215 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.