The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) replaces the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and introduces several specific timelines to streamline and expedite the criminal justice process. Here’s a detailed list of important timelines mentioned in BNSS:
🔹 1. Filing of FIR
- Timeline: Immediately upon receipt of information about a cognizable offence
- Section: Section 173(1) BNSS
- Detail:
- Police officer is duty-bound to register FIR.
- No preliminary inquiry needed except in exceptional cases (like matrimonial disputes or defamation).
- FIR must be digitally signed and a copy is given to the informant free of cost.
🔹 2. Forwarding FIR to Magistrate
- Timeline: Immediately after registration of FIR
- Section: Section 173(3) BNSS
- Detail:
- A copy of the FIR should be sent electronically or in writing to the concerned Magistrate.
🔹 3. Commencement of Investigation
- Timeline: Immediately after FIR registration
- Section: Section 174 BNSS
- Detail:
- Officer visits crime scene, collects evidence, examines witnesses.
- For serious offences, investigation must be thorough and timely.
- If no sufficient grounds, closure report may be filed.
🔹 4. Medical Examination of Rape Victim
- Timeline: Within 24 hours of receiving information
- Section: Section 184 BNSS
- Detail:
- Victim must be examined by a registered medical practitioner.
- Consent of the victim is required; the report must be filed with the police immediately.
🔹 5. Forensic Examination and Evidence Collection
- Timeline: Immediately during investigation
- Section: Section 176(1) BNSS
- Detail:
- Investigating officer may forward samples to forensic labs.
- Ensures scientific and accurate investigation.
🔹 6. Forensic Report Submission
- Timeline: Within 60 days from receipt of material
- Section: Section 176(3) BNSS
- Detail:
- The forensic laboratory is mandated to send its report to the investigating officer within 60 days.
🔹 7. Arrest of the Accused
- Timeline: As per need during investigation
- Section: Section 35, 187 BNSS
- Detail:
- Arrest must follow proper procedures and be backed by reason.
- Accused must be presented before the Magistrate within 24 hours of arrest (excluding travel time).
🔹 8. Detention Period and Custody
- Timeline:
- 15 days max in police custody
- Judicial custody up to 60/90 days depending on offence
- Section: Section 187(2)–(3) BNSS
- Detail:
- Default bail applies if charge sheet is not filed:
- 60 days (offence punishable < 10 years)
- 90 days (≥10 years/life/death penalty)
- Default bail applies if charge sheet is not filed:
🔹 9. Filing of Chargesheet (Police Report)
- Timeline:
- 60 days / 90 days / 180 days (special laws)
- Section: Section 193 BNSS
- Detail:
- Must include: FIR copy, witness statements, medical/forensic reports, and accused details
- If report is not filed in time → accused eligible for default bail under Section 187(3)
🔹 10. Service of Documents to Accused
- Timeline: At least 7 days before trial begins
- Section: Section 230 BNSS
- Detail:
- Copies of FIR, charge sheet, witness list, and other documents must be served to the accused.
- Ensures fair trial rights.
🔹 11. Framing of Charges
- Timeline: Within 60 days from the first appearance of accused
- Section: Section 251 BNSS
- Detail:
- Magistrate/Sessions Judge frames charges if prima facie case is made.
- Charges read and explained to accused.
🔹 12. Trial Commencement
- Timeline: Immediately after charges are framed
- Section: Section 248 BNSS
- Detail:
- Trial begins with prosecution presenting evidence.
- Cross-examination of witnesses follows.
🔹 13. Victim’s Right to Information
- Timeline: Within 7 days of charge sheet filing, bail hearing, or hearing date
- Section: Section 265(2) BNSS
- Detail:
- Police/court must inform victim about all important developments.
🔹 14. Trial Proceedings (Day-to-Day)
- Timeline: Continuous hearing unless exceptional reasons
- Section: Section 276 BNSS
- Detail:
- Courts must hold day-to-day trials without unnecessary adjournments.
- Reasons must be recorded for adjournment.
🔹 15. Judgment
- Timeline: Preferably within 2 years of charge sheet filing
- Section: Section 309 BNSS
- Detail:
- If delayed, court must record reasons.
- Judgment must be pronounced in open court.
🔹 16. Appeal / Revision
- Timeline:
- Appeal: Within 90 days (Sessions Court)
- Revision: ~30 days (general rule)
- Section: Section 419 BNSS
- Detail:
- Time-bound disposal encouraged through digital court system.
🧠Pro Tip: Use of Technology in BNSS
Mobile tracking, body cams, and CCTVs encouraged in policing
E-FIR, electronic communication with Magistrate
Digital signature on documents
Forensic and video-recorded statements are now admissible
✅ Summary Table (Quick Reference)
| Stage | Timeline | Relevant Section (BNSS) | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Filing of FIR | Immediately upon receipt of information of a cognizable offence | Section 173 | Police must register FIR without unnecessary delay |
| 2. Informing Magistrate | Immediately after FIR | Section 173(3) | Police must send copy of FIR to Magistrate promptly |
| 3. Commencement of Investigation | Without delay | Section 174(1) | Officer must proceed to the scene and begin inquiry |
| 4. Medical Examination of Victim (e.g., rape) | Within 24 hours | Section 184 | Compulsory in sexual offences |
| 5. Forensic Sample Collection | As early as possible | Section 176(1) | Officer must collect forensic evidence |
| 6. Forensic Report Submission | Within 60 days | Section 176(3) | Labs are bound by this time limit |
| 7. Arrest and Detention | As per circumstances | Section 35, 187 | Accused must be produced before Magistrate within 24 hours of arrest |
| 8. Police Custody (Max) | Max 15 days, extendable by court | Section 187 | Custody beyond 15 days only in judicial custody |
| 9. Chargesheet Submission | – 60 days (if punishment <10 years) – 90 days (≥10 years, life, death) – Extendable to 180 days (UAPA etc.) | Section 193 | Delay beyond this gives accused right to default bail |
| 10. Framing of Charges | Within 60 days of first appearance | Section 251 | Judge must frame charges in time |
| 11. Service of Documents to Accused | 7 days before trial begins | Section 230 | All prosecution documents must be provided |
| 12. Beginning of Trial | Immediately after charges | Section 248 | Trial begins once charges are framed |
| 13. Victim to be Informed | Within 7 days of filing charge sheet, bail, hearing | Section 265(2) | Mandatory victim rights provision |
| 14. Witness Examination and Cross-exam | As per schedule | Sections 266–276 | To be done day-to-day, no adjournments unless justified |
| 15. Judgment | Preferably within 2 years of chargesheet filing | Section 309 | Court must give reasons if delayed |
| 16. Appeal Filing (Sessions) | Within 90 days | Section 419 | Digital/online filing enabled |
| 17. Revision Application | 30 days (common judicial practice) | Not specifically timed in BNSS | Encouraged to be disposed quickly |
