New Changes in Criminal Procedure Code 2025: What Every Citizen Should Know
- Advocate Nikita Kothia
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 16
As India transitions from the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the way crimes are reported, investigated, and tried has been overhauled to be faster, technology-driven, and more citizen-centric, with the new procedural code effective nationwide from July 1, 2024. These changes are the backbone of India’s broader criminal law reforms that also replaced the Indian Penal Code and Evidence Act, making 2024–2025 a historic reset for the justice system.
Why this matters now
BNSS has 531 sections (up from 484 in CrPC), with 177 provisions changed, 9 new sections and 39 new sub-sections added, 44 new provisions and clarifications introduced, timelines embedded in 35 sections, audio-video provisions added at 35 places, and 14 sections repealed—signaling strict timelines and technology integration across procedure.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and NCRB have upgraded national platforms (CCTNS, e-Prisons, e-Prosecution, e-Forensics) and launched new apps for e-summons, crime scene videography, and digital hearings to operationalize BNSS on the ground.
Government notifications and press statements confirm citizen-focused priorities: faster FIRs (including e-Zero FIR pilots), mandatory forensics for serious offences, and electronic service of process.
As a practicing criminal lawyer, these changes affect daily strategy at the police station, in remand courts, and through trial—impacting clients’ rights, evidence quality, and timelines.
Key Legal Details: The BNSS (2023) That Replaces CrPC
Statutory replacement and commencement
Parliament passed BNSS alongside the new penal and evidence laws in December 2023; President’s assent was on December 25, 2023; nationwide enforcement from July 1, 2024.
BNSS is India’s governing procedural law going forward, superseding CrPC in both language and structure.
Structural expansion and technology mandates
BNSS 2023 contains 531 sections, more defined timelines, and explicit audio-video provisions for arrests, searches, statements, and trial processes.
The official BNSS text and MHA publication confirm consolidated procedures for police powers, arrest, investigation, bail, trials, and appeals in a single enactment.
Digital-first criminal procedure
Electronic service of summons (e-Summon), videography/photography of crime scenes (e-Sakshaya), and digital judicial hearing tools (Nyaysruti) have been rolled out across States/UTs to align with BNSS requirements.
CCTNS modifications enable BNSS-compliant e-FIR/FIR workflows; a national compendium app for criminal laws was launched to help stakeholders adapt quickly.
FIR and complaint handling reforms
BNSS modernizes complaint and cognizance stages; significant changes include the recasting of former CrPC Section 200 into BNSS Section 223—altering how Magistrates examine complainants and process private complaints.
The government has framed SOPs and pilots around Zero FIR and e-FIR; MHA’s 2025 e-Zero FIR pilot in Delhi automatically converts eligible cyber financial complaints to FIRs, slated for national scale-up.
Broader Zero FIR/e-FIR guidance aligns with BNSS to ensure jurisdictional flexibility and speed in registering complaints, reducing delay in serious and cyber offences.
Forensic-led investigations
The Home Ministry has underscored mandatory forensic examination for offences punishable with 7 years or more, with NAFIS and DNA matching prioritized to increase conviction rates under the reformed procedure.
e-Forensics integration and crime scene videography are supported by national tech stacks for uniform practice.
Citizen protection and timelines
BNSS integrates timelines into multiple procedural stages to accelerate investigation, filing, and trial, with audio-video documentation designed to reduce disputes over procedure and improve transparency.
Government communications emphasize that reforms aim at justice and protection of life/property, not merely punishment—framing BNSS’s timelines and technology as citizen safeguards.
Latest Amendments and Implementation Updates (as of August 2025)
Nationwide enforcement status
All three new criminal laws—including BNSS—have been in force since July 1, 2024, replacing CrPC across India.
Digital rollout and tools
NIC’s e-Summon, e-Sakshaya, and Nyaysruti apps are deployed/testing-complete across States/UTs for BNSS-compliant e-service, A/V evidence capture, and online hearings.
e-Zero FIR for cyber-financial crimes
MHA’s I4C launched an e-Zero FIR pilot for Delhi on May 19, 2025, automatically converting qualifying cyber-financial complaints (initially ≥₹10 lakh) on NCRP/1930 to FIRs, with plans to expand nationally.
Procedural shifts in complaint verification
Section 223 BNSS updates the pathway previously governed by Section 200 CrPC; early commentaries and practice notes highlight changes in Magistrate procedures for private complaints.
Note: For statutory language, refer to the BNSS 2023 text published by MHA/PRS; for operations and timelines, see MHA/PIB and NCRB/NIC implementation briefings.
Practical Implications for Clients and Citizens
Faster FIRs and easier access
Zero FIR/e-FIR mechanisms reduce jurisdictional hurdles in registering complaints, especially in cyber and urgent matters—expect quicker registration and early investigative action.
Stronger evidence from day one
Crime scene videography and mandatory forensics in serious offences will influence bail, charge framing, and trial strategy; preserving digital trails and cooperating with forensic protocols is now crucial.
Tighter timelines
With BNSS timelines embedded across stages, delays are less tolerated; both complainants and accused should anticipate faster movement from FIR to charge-sheet to trial.
E-service and online hearings
Electronic summons/service reduce adjournments due to non-service and support virtual participation where permitted—improving predictability for witnesses and parties.
Rights during arrest and investigation
Audio-video recording requirements and standardized digital workflows enhance transparency; immediate legal advice at the police station and thorough documentation are vital to protect rights.
Cybercrime readiness
For financial cyber frauds, reporting at 1930/NCRP now has clearer pathways to FIR registration under e-Zero FIR pilots; early reporting increases fund-freeze success.
Case-Style Illustrations
Cyber fraud victim in Ahmedabad
A complainant reports a ₹12 lakh UPI fraud via 1930/NCRP; under the e-Zero FIR pilot logic, the complaint automatically converts to an FIR, enabling swift investigation and potential fund trace/freezes—demonstrating BNSS-era speed plus MHA’s pilot mechanism.
Street assault with serious injuries
In an offence likely exceeding 7-year punishment exposure, mandatory forensic examination and crime scene videography strengthen the evidentiary chain, affecting bail and trial outcomes under BNSS timelines.
Private complaint against a company officer
A complainant proceeds under BNSS Section 223’s revamped process (formerly CrPC Section 200), with Magistrate procedure adjusted under the new code—affecting how verification and cognizance proceed.
How I Navigate BNSS for Clients
Early intervention at the FIR stage to secure lawful procedure, relevant sections, and accurate A/V documentation under BNSS.
Evidence strategy built around forensics and authenticated digital materials from the outset, leveraging NAFIS/DNA workflows in serious cases.
Vigilant use of e-summons and online hearing tools to reduce delays, ensure service, and maintain momentum towards trial.
For cyber-economic matters, immediate NCRP/1930 reporting to trigger e-Zero FIR pathways where applicable and coordinate with investigating units for fund-freeze requests.
Conclusion: The BNSS Era Demands Proactive Legal Strategy
The BNSS has redefined criminal procedure to be timeline-bound and technology-first—speeding up investigations, tightening evidence standards, and simplifying access to justice through Zero FIR/e-FIR, e-summons, and A/V documentation. Early legal guidance is now more critical than ever to safeguard rights, ensure compliance with the new protocols, and position a case effectively from FIR to trial under the 2024–2025 regime.
Need tailored legal advice on an FIR, bail, or cybercrime complaint under BNSS? Reach out via my website to schedule a consultation today.
