Procedure where accused does not understand proceedings.
What this section does
Where an accused, though not of unsound mind, cannot be made to understand the proceedings, the Court may proceed with the inquiry or trial. If a court other than the High Court convicts such an accused, the proceedings must be forwarded to the High Court with a report of the circumstances, and the High Court shall pass such order as it thinks fit.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Procedure at a glance
- Key actors
- Court · Accused · High Court
Derived from CrPC s.318.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNSS Section 357, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNSS Section 357 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.