Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
CrPC Section 200 in BNSS
Examination of complainant. Section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Examination of complainant) corresponds to Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Verify before you rely on this. Renumbering under the 2023 codes is not a clean one-to-one exercise — provisions were merged, split and reworded. Always check the printed bare act.
Where this sits in the exam
This provision is examined under CrPC & Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, worth 10 of the 100 marks in AIBE XXII. The paper permits bare acts but bans notes, so what matters is finding it quickly, not reciting the number.
Questions that turn on this section
Statement: Section 223 BNSS requires a Magistrate, before taking cognizance on a complaint, to examine the complainant and the witnesses present. Conclusion I: The accused has a right to be heard before cognizance is taken. Conclusion II: Examination on oath may be dispensed with where the complaint is made by a public servant acting in the discharge of his duties. Which is correct?
Answer & explanation
Only Conclusion II follows
The BNSS proviso giving the accused an opportunity of hearing applies before cognizance on a complaint — but Conclusion I states it as an absolute right, which it is not. The public-servant exemption is express.
Sections either side of it
How the neighbouring provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 were renumbered:
| CrPC | Provision | BNSS |
|---|---|---|
| 197 | Prosecution of Judges and public servants | 218 |
| 198 | Prosecution for offences against marriage | 219 |
| 199 | Prosecution for defamation | 222 |
| 202 | Postponement of issue of process | 225 |
| 203 | Dismissal of complaint | 226 |
| 204 | Issue of process | 227 |
Practise it
Cutoff has AIBE XXII questions on this area, each cited to both codes with a line telling you where to find it in the bare act. Ten questions per subject are free, no account needed.
Practise free Full CrPC→BNSS table