BNSS (Criminal Law II)

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.” — R v Sussex Justices, ex parte McCarthy (1924)

Free, exam-ready BNSS (Criminal Law II) notes for LL.B. — concise topic notes, comparison charts, landmark cases and solved IRAC problems. Pick any topic below.

Unit I — Introduction

• Meaning and Importance of Criminal Procedure; the Fair-Trial Idea
• Background, Salient Features and Constitutional Dimensions of the BNSS, 2023
• Definitions and Classification of Offences (s.2 BNSS)
• Organisation, Constitution and Powers of Criminal Courts (ss.6–29 BNSS)
• Jurisdiction — Place of Inquiry and Trial (ss.197–209 BNSS)
• Functions, Duties and Powers of the Prosecution (ss.18–20 BNSS)
• Powers and Duties of the Police; Investigation (ss.174–193 BNSS)
• First Information Report (s.173 BNSS)
• Zero FIR and Refusal to Register an FIR (ss.173, 175 BNSS)
• Preliminary Inquiry before Registration of FIR (s.173(3) BNSS)
• Initiation by Complaint; Complaint v. FIR (s.2(1)(h) BNSS)
• Arrest — Concept and Procedure (ss.35–62 BNSS)
• Rights of the Arrested Person and Safeguards (ss.47–58 BNSS)
• Proclamation and Attachment; Proclaimed Offender (ss.84–89 BNSS)
• Handcuffing (s.43(3) BNSS)
• Information Regarding Arrested Persons (ss.37, 48 BNSS)

Unit II — Pre-Trial Process and Commencement of Proceedings

• Cognizance of Offences and Timelines (ss.210–214 BNSS)
• Complaints to Magistrates; Dismissal of Complaints (ss.223–226 BNSS)
• Commencement of Proceedings before Magistrates (ss.227–233 BNSS)
• Charge — Form, Contents, Alteration, Alternative Charge (ss.234–245 BNSS)
• Joinder of Charges — Rule and Exceptions (ss.241–247 BNSS)
• Process to Compel Appearance — Summons and Warrant (ss.63–83 BNSS)
• Process to Compel Production of Things — Search Warrant (ss.94–110 BNSS)
• Successor-in-Office and Audio-Video Electronic Service (ss.29, 63–64, 71, 336 BNSS)
• Plea of Guilt and its Effect on the Right of Appeal (ss.274–275, 416 BNSS)
• Limitation for Taking Cognizance (ss.513–519 BNSS)
• Conditions Requisite for Initiation of Proceedings (ss.215–222 BNSS)
• Bail and Bonds — Bailable, Non-Bailable, Default Bail (ss.478–496 BNSS)
• Anticipatory Bail (s.482 BNSS)

Unit III — Trial Process

• Trial before a Court of Session (ss.248–260 BNSS)
• Trial of Warrant Cases; Hearing on Sentence (ss.261–273 BNSS)
• Trial of Summons Cases by Magistrates (ss.274–282 BNSS)
• Summary Trials (ss.283–288 BNSS)
• Evidence and General Provisions as to Inquiries and Trials (ss.307–366 BNSS)
• Double Jeopardy (s.337 BNSS)
• Tender of Pardon to an Accomplice (ss.343–345 BNSS)
• Compounding of Offences (s.359 BNSS)
• Plea Bargaining (ss.289–300 BNSS)
• Concurrent and Consecutive Running of Sentences (s.25 BNSS)
• Appeals (ss.413–435 BNSS)
• Revision and Reference (ss.436–445 BNSS)
• Security for Keeping the Peace and Good Behaviour (ss.125–143 BNSS)
• Maintenance of Wives, Children and Parents (ss.144–147 BNSS)

Unit IV — Miscellaneous Procedure

• Judgment — Form, Contents and Delivery (ss.392–406 BNSS)
• Transfer of Criminal Cases; Withdrawal (ss.446–452 BNSS)
• Execution of Sentences (ss.453–470 BNSS)
• Suspension, Remission, Commutation and Mercy Petitions (ss.472–477 BNSS)
• Disposal of Property (ss.106, 497–505 BNSS)
• Preventive Action of the Police (ss.168–172 BNSS)
• Maintenance of Public Order and Tranquillity (ss.148–163 BNSS)
• Irregular Proceedings (ss.506–512 BNSS)
• Protection of Victims — Compensation and Treatment (ss.395–399, 273 BNSS)

Unit V — Juvenile Justice and Probation of Offenders

• JJ Act 2015 — Salient Features
• Juvenile Justice Board (ss.4–9 JJ Act)
• Children in Conflict with Law — Procedure, Bail, Orders (ss.12, 17–21 JJ Act)
• Children in Need of Care and Protection (ss.2(14), 31–38 JJ Act)
• Child Welfare Committee (ss.27–30 JJ Act)
• Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration (ss.39–46, 52–73 JJ Act)
• Competent Authorities and Institutions (ss.47–51 JJ Act)
• Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 — Salient Features
• Release after Admonition (s.3) and on Probation of Good Conduct (s.4 POA)
• Variation of Conditions of Probation (s.8 POA)
• Probation Officer — Appointment, Duties, Report (ss.13–14, 7 POA)
• Failure to Observe the Conditions of the Bond (s.9 POA)
• Restriction on Imprisonment of Offenders under 21 (s.6 POA)
• Compensation and Costs (s.5 POA)
• Appeal and Revision under the POA (s.11 POA)

✏️ Practice

• 10 Solved Problems (IRAC Method) — KSLU-style problems worked in full
• KSLU Past Questions & Exam Topics

Download the BNSS (Criminal Law II) Complete Bundle + Question Bank — ₹199 — the full study notes plus a Question Bank of model answers (essays + problems) for every previously-asked KSLU question, in one printable PDF for all 5 units.

🆓 Free sample: Download Unit 1 (free PDF)