Skip to main content

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

Section 439

Power to order inquiry

Quick Answer Reference: Section 439 BNSS

  • Provision: Section 439 of BNSS
  • Act: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
  • Classification: REFERENCE AND REVISION
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Summary: The High Court or Sessions Judge can order an inquiry into a case where someone has been wrongly dismissed or discharged. This means they can ask a lower court to look into the case again. However, the person who was discharged must be given a chance to explain why they shouldn't be investigated further.
Statutory Content

What does Section 439 of BNSS say?

On examining any record under section 438 or otherwise, the High Court or the Sessions Judge may direct the Chief Judicial Magistrate by himself or by any of the Magistrates subordinate to him to make, and the Chief Judicial Magistrate may himself make or direct any subordinate Magistrate to make, further inquiry into any complaint which has been dismissed under section 226 or sub- section (4) of section 227, or into the case of any person accused of an offence who has been discharged: Provided that no Court shall make any direction under this section for inquiry into the case of any person who has been discharged unless such person has had an opportunity of showing cause why such direction should not be made.

Indian StandardSection 439, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Bluebook (21st ed.)Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, § 439 (India)
Court Pleading StandardSection 439 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Canonical Web linkhttps://nyaya.cloud/acts/bharatiya-nagarik-suraksha-sanhita/439

Embed this Section Card

Want to display this Section explanation card on your website? Copy and paste the HTML code below:

Source: Gazette of India (Official Publication)Verify egazette.gov.in ↗
✓ VERIFIED FOR LEGAL ACCURACYReviewed & certified by Advocate Priya Menon (Bar Council ID: MAH/4521/2018).
AI Educational GuideAI-generated explanation for educational and research purposes. Original statutory text is preserved exactly.
Section Meaning & Purpose

What does Section 439 of BNSS mean?

Plain English Explanation

The High Court or Sessions Judge can order an inquiry into a case where someone has been wrongly dismissed or discharged. This means they can ask a lower court to look into the case again. However, the person who was discharged must be given a chance to explain why they shouldn't be investigated further.

Practical Interpretation

This section allows for a review of cases where someone has been wrongly dismissed or discharged. It gives the High Court or Sessions Judge the power to order an inquiry, which can be done by a lower court. This ensures that justice is served and that people are not wrongly accused or punished.

Core Legal Purpose

The core purpose of this section is to provide a mechanism for reviewing cases where someone has been wrongly dismissed or discharged. It ensures that the legal process is fair and that people are given a chance to explain themselves before being investigated further.

Key Legal Elements
  • The High Court or Sessions Judge must have examined a record under section 438 or otherwise.
  • The case must have been dismissed under section 226 or sub-section (4) of section 227, or the person must have been discharged.
  • The person who was discharged must have had an opportunity to show cause why the direction should not be made.
  • No court shall make any direction under this section for inquiry into the case of any person who has been discharged unless such person has had an opportunity of showing cause why such direction should not be made.
Practical Example

Practical Example of Section 439 BNSS

Rajesh was discharged in a case by the lower court. However, the Sessions Judge felt that the discharge was unjust and ordered an inquiry under section 439. The Sessions Judge directed the Chief Judicial Magistrate to make further inquiry into the case. Rajesh was given a chance to explain why he shouldn't be investigated further. The Chief Judicial Magistrate then conducted the inquiry and found that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the case. Rajesh was subsequently charged and tried for the offence.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions about Section 439 BNSS

Q: What is the purpose of this section?

The purpose of this section is to provide a mechanism for reviewing cases where someone has been wrongly dismissed or discharged.

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

This section applies to both private individuals and public entities.

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

This section is a procedural provision and does not prescribe a penal punishment. Therefore, it is neither bailable nor cognizable.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Common Questions about Section 439 BNSS

What is Section 439 of BNSS?

Section 439 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) defines and regulates "Power to order inquiry". In plain terms: The High Court or Sessions Judge can order an inquiry into a case where someone has been wrongly dismissed or discharged. This means they can ask a lower court to look into the case again. However, the person who was discharged must be given a chance to explain why they shouldn't be investigated further.

What is the punishment under Section 439 of BNSS?

Section 439 of BNSS does not prescribe a specific criminal punishment, or it is a procedural provision.

Is Section 439 of BNSS bailable or non-bailable?

Whether Section 439 of BNSS is bailable or non-bailable depends on the schedule classification.

What are the elements of Section 439 of BNSS?

The essential elements of Section 439 of BNSS are: The High Court or Sessions Judge must have examined a record under section 438 or otherwise.; The case must have been dismissed under section 226 or sub-section (4) of section 227, or the person must have been discharged.; The person who was discharged must have had an opportunity to show cause why the direction should not be made..

Landmark Case Laws

Landmark Judgments under Section 439 BNSS

2014 8 SCC 273

Supreme Court of India

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)