ONLINE CERTIFICATE COURSE ON BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA
(BNSS replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973)Introduction
- Background and objectives of BNSS, 2023
- Need for replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
- Salient features and innovations of BNSS
- Scheme and structure of the Sanhita
- Definitions and interpretation
- Digital and technology-driven procedures under BNSS
Constitution of Criminal Courts and Offices
- Classes of Criminal Courts
- Courts under BNSS
- Public Prosecutors and Assistant Public Prosecutors
- Executive Magistrates and their powers
- Jurisdiction of Criminal Courts
- Powers of superior courts
Powers of Courts and Police
- Powers of police officers
- Powers of Magistrates
- Preventive jurisdiction of police and Magistrates
- Maintenance of public order and tranquillity
- Arrest without warrant
- Use of technology in policing
Arrest, Bail and Bonds
- Arrest: meaning, grounds and procedure
- Rights of arrested persons
- Information to relatives and legal counsel
- Arrest of women, children and vulnerable persons
- Bail: regular, anticipatory and default bail
- Bonds for appearance and good behaviour
Information to Police and Investigation
- Registration of FIR (including e-FIR)
- Zero FIR
- Investigation procedure
- Examination of witnesses
- Search and seizure
- Medical examination
- Use of forensic and electronic evidence
- Time limits for investigation
Charge, Trial and Proceedings
- Framing of charges
- Joinder of charges and persons
- Types of trials:
- Sessions Trial
- Summons Trial
- Warrant Trial
- Summary Trial
- Trial in absence of accused
- Plea bargaining
Evidence and Examination of Witnesses
- Examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination
- Recording of evidence through electronic means
- Protection of witnesses
- Use of video conferencing
- Expert and forensic evidence
Judgment and Sentencing
- Judgment: form and contents
- Compensation to victims
- Victim-centric justice approach
- Sentencing principles
- Probation and release
- Victim compensation schemes
Appeals, Revision and Reference
- Appeals from convictions and acquittals
- Revisional powers of courts
- Reference to High Court
- Limitation for appeals
Special and Miscellaneous Provisions
- Maintenance of wife, children and parents
- Public nuisance
- Preventive action by police
- Security for keeping peace and good behaviour
- Execution, suspension and remission of sentences
- Transfer of criminal cases
- Inherent powers of High Court
Special Focus Areas
- Rights of victims and witnesses
- Time-bound justice delivery
- Use of technology and digitisation
- Forensic science integration
- Speedy trial provisions
- Accountability of police and investigation agencies
Comparative Study
- BNSS vs CrPC, 1973 (important changes)
- Impact on criminal justice system
- Critical analysis of BNSS, 2023