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Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

Section 197

Ordinary place of inquiry and trial

Quick Answer Reference: Section 197 BNSS

  • Provision: Section 197 of BNSS
  • Act: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
  • Classification: JURISDICTION OF THE CRIMINAL COURTS IN INQUIRIES AND TRIALS
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Summary: This section says that most crimes should be investigated and tried in the court where the crime happened.
Statutory Content

What does Section 197 of BNSS say?

Every offence shall ordinarily be inquired into and tried by a Court within whose local jurisdiction it was committed.

Indian StandardSection 197, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Bluebook (21st ed.)Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, § 197 (India)
Court Pleading StandardSection 197 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Canonical Web linkhttps://nyaya.cloud/acts/bharatiya-nagarik-suraksha-sanhita/197

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Source: Gazette of India (Official Publication)Verify egazette.gov.in ↗
✓ VERIFIED FOR LEGAL ACCURACYReviewed & certified by Advocate Arjun Choudhury (Bar Council ID: D/8734/2015).
AI Educational GuideAI-generated explanation for educational and research purposes. Original statutory text is preserved exactly.
Section Meaning & Purpose

What does Section 197 of BNSS mean?

Plain English Explanation

This section says that most crimes should be investigated and tried in the court where the crime happened.

Practical Interpretation

In real practice, this means that the police and courts will usually handle a case in the area where the crime occurred, rather than sending it to a different court or location.

Core Legal Purpose

The purpose of this section is to ensure that crimes are handled locally, making it easier for victims and witnesses to participate in the justice process and for the community to feel safe and involved.

Key Legal Elements
  • The offence must have been committed within the local jurisdiction of a specific court.
  • The court with local jurisdiction is responsible for inquiring into and trying the offence.
  • There is no specific legal test or threshold standard mentioned in this section.
  • There are no key exceptions or limitations mentioned in this section.
Practical Example

Practical Example of Section 197 BNSS

Rajesh, a resident of Mumbai, is accused of committing a theft in his neighborhood. The police will investigate the case and file charges in the Mumbai court, as the crime occurred within the local jurisdiction of that court. The case will then be tried in the Mumbai court, allowing Rajesh to defend himself and the community to feel safe and involved in the justice process.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions about Section 197 BNSS

Q: What is the punishment or consequence under Section 197 of BNSS?

This section is a procedural provision and does not prescribe a penal punishment.

Q: Does this section apply to private individuals or public entities?

This section applies to both private individuals and public entities, as it deals with the general principle of where crimes should be investigated and tried.

Q: Is an offence under this section bailable or cognizable?

This section does not provide information on the bailability or cognizability of offences, as it is a procedural provision.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Common Questions about Section 197 BNSS

What is Section 197 of BNSS?

Section 197 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) defines and regulates "Ordinary place of inquiry and trial". In plain terms: This section says that most crimes should be investigated and tried in the court where the crime happened.

What is the punishment under Section 197 of BNSS?

Section 197 of BNSS does not prescribe a specific criminal punishment, or it is a procedural provision.

Is Section 197 of BNSS bailable or non-bailable?

Whether Section 197 of BNSS is bailable or non-bailable depends on the schedule classification.

What are the elements of Section 197 of BNSS?

The essential elements of Section 197 of BNSS are: The offence must have been committed within the local jurisdiction of a specific court.; The court with local jurisdiction is responsible for inquiring into and trying the offence.; There is no specific legal test or threshold standard mentioned in this section..

Landmark Case Laws

Landmark Judgments under Section 197 BNSS

1978 1 SCC 248

Supreme Court of India

2014 8 SCC 273

Supreme Court of India

2017 10 SCC 1

Supreme Court of India

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)