BNSS Filing Guide: Verify CrPC Sections Using a Converter

The enforcement of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) has changed one simple but critical expectation in criminal courts: fresh filings must now comply with BNSS, not the old Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC).

Yet, across trial courts and sessions courts, one mistake is still being made daily—lawyers filing applications with unverified CrPC section references. This may look minor, but in practice it leads to objections, adjournments, and sometimes outright rejection of drafts.

This guide explains why verifying CrPC sections using a BNSS converter is essential before filing, and how lawyers can adapt smoothly without disrupting ongoing cases.

Why section verification matters more than ever
Under the CrPC regime, lawyers relied on:

memory

standard formats

long-used section numbers

BNSS has changed that comfort zone.

Many procedural provisions have been:

renumbered

rearranged

grouped differently

expanded or streamlined

As a result, guessing the BNSS equivalent of a CrPC section is risky. Courts expect accuracy, especially in fresh filings made after BNSS came into force.

What courts now expect in criminal filings
In the BNSS era, courts expect that:

applications cite BNSS sections, not CrPC

lawyers are aware of the procedural shift

section numbers are correct and intentional

Even where cases began under CrPC, any new application filed today must show BNSS awareness.

This applies to:

bail applications

remand objections

discharge applications

summoning requests

warrant-related filings

revisions and interlocutory applications

The core problem: CrPC habits die hard
Most drafting errors today happen because lawyers:

reuse old templates

rely on muscle memory

assume section numbers remain the same

convert sections mentally

Unfortunately, BNSS does not reward assumptions.

A wrongly cited section may:

confuse the court

give the opposite side a technical objection

force you to refile

weaken the overall credibility of your draft

How a CrPC to BNSS converter solves this problem
A CrPC to BNSS converter is a simple but powerful tool that:

maps old CrPC sections to corresponding BNSS provisions

removes ambiguity in section numbers

saves time spent flipping bare acts or PDFs

ensures confidence before filing

Instead of guessing or cross-checking manually, a converter gives you instant procedural clarity.

When should you verify CrPC sections using a converter?

1. Before every fresh filing Any application drafted after BNSS enforcement must be verified, even if:

the case itself is old

the FIR is under CrPC

previous orders cite CrPC

Fresh filing = fresh compliance.

1. When using old drafting formats If your draft template mentions:

“Section ___ CrPC”

“as per the Code of Criminal Procedure”

You must stop and verify before filing.

1. In liberty-related applications Courts are especially strict in:

bail

remand

warrants

summons

Incorrect procedural citation here is taken seriously.

1. In revision or challenge matters Higher courts scrutinise procedural accuracy closely. A wrong section reference can:

weaken your challenge

distract from merits

invite unnecessary queries

Step-by-step BNSS filing workflow using a converter
Step 1: Identify all procedural sections in your draft
Before filing, underline:

bail provisions

remand provisions

summoning or warrant provisions

powers of the Magistrate or Court

Step 2: Convert each CrPC section using a converter
Do not convert selectively. Convert every procedural reference, even incidental ones.

This ensures:

consistency

accuracy

professional presentation

Step 3: Decide the citation style
For new cases:

Cite BNSS sections only

For pending cases:

Use BNSS as primary reference, with CrPC in brackets where needed

Example:

“Under Section ___ BNSS, 2023 (corresponding to Section ___ CrPC, 1973)”

Step 4: Re-check before signing and filing
Make conversion verification a final checklist item, just like:

pagination

annexures

vakalatnama

Common filing mistakes you can avoid with a converter
❌ blindly replacing “CrPC” with “BNSS”
❌ assuming section numbers remain unchanged
❌ citing CrPC alone in fresh applications
❌ mixing CrPC and BNSS inconsistently
❌ relying on memory instead of verification

A converter eliminates all of these in seconds.

Why section verification is crucial for juniors and interns
For young lawyers, the BNSS transition is also a credibility test.

Judges often notice:

whether juniors cite updated law

whether drafts reflect current statutes

whether briefing is precise

Using a CrPC to BNSS converter helps juniors:

learn procedural law accurately

avoid basic court embarrassment

gain trust of seniors

BNSS compliance is not optional anymore
Courts may tolerate transition issues temporarily, but BNSS compliance is now the default expectation. Lawyers who continue to file unverified CrPC-based drafts risk being seen as careless.

Verification shows:

awareness of legal change

respect for the court

seriousness about procedure

Final takeaway
BNSS has not complicated criminal procedure—it has modernised it. The real difficulty lies in unverified drafting habits.

By verifying CrPC sections using a BNSS converter, you:

prevent filing defects

save time

reduce objections

improve court confidence

In 2024 and beyond, accurate section verification is as important as legal reasoning.For more details, you can refer to CrPC to BNSS Converter