CrPC Section 311 = BNSS Section 348

Power to Summon Material Witness

सारवान साक्षी को बुलाने की शक्ति

General Trial Provisions No Change in Punishment Cognizable Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 311 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) dealt with power to summon material witness. Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, this provision is now covered under Section 348. The BNSS reorganizes and modernizes the procedural framework while largely retaining the substantive provisions.

Hindi दण्ड प्रक्रिया संहिता (CrPC) की धारा 311 सारवान साक्षी को बुलाने की शक्ति से संबंधित थी। भारतीय नागरिक सुरक्षा संहिता (BNSS) 2023 के तहत, यह प्रावधान अब धारा 348 में शामिल है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect CrPC (Old) BNSS (New)
Section Number Section 311 Section 348
Title Power to Summon Material Witness Power to Summon Material Witness
Punishment N/A (Procedural) N/A (Procedural)
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable Yes — Bail is a matter of right
Compoundable No — Cannot be compounded/settled
Triable By Magistrate / Court of Session

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from CrPC 311 to BNSS 348
  • BNSS modernizes the procedural framework with updated terminology and structure
  • Substantive provisions remain largely the same with minor procedural refinements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNSS equivalent of CrPC Section 311?

CrPC Section 311 (Power to Summon Material Witness) is now BNSS Section 348 under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has CrPC Section 311 changed under BNSS?

The core provision remains substantially the same under BNSS Section 348. The BNSS reorganizes the procedural code with updated language and some procedural refinements.

Legal Disclaimer

This CrPC-to-BNSS section comparison is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The mapping may not cover all nuances introduced by the new law. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before relying on this information. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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