Section314
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Interpretation of evidence to accused or his advocate

In force From 01 Jul 2024 Act 46 of 2023 As on 14 Oct 2026

Act 46 of 2023 Ministry Home Affairs Enacted 25 Dec 2023 In force 01 Jul 2024

Section 314 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 deals with interpretation of evidence to accused or his advocate. Whenever any evidence is given in a language not understood by the accused, and he is present in Court in person, it shall be interpreted to him in open Court in a language understood by him. The Act came into force on 01 Jul 2024.

(1) Whenever any evidence is given in a language not understood by the accused, and he is present in Court in person, it shall be interpreted to him in open Court in a language understood by him.

(2) If he appears by an advocate and the evidence is given in a language other than the language of the Court, and not understood by the advocate, it shall be interpreted to such advocate in that language.

(3) When documents are put for the purpose of formal proof, it shall be in the discretion of the Court to interpret as much thereof as appears necessary.

Section 314, The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Act 46 of 2023).

Replaces a provision of the Code of Criminal Procedure

CRPC 279 Interpretation of evidence to accused or his pleader Close, with changes 85%

Measured by comparing the text of the two provisions, not taken from an official correspondence table — there is no machine-readable one. See both texts side by side before relying on it.

Both regimes are live. The repealed enactment still governs what happened while it was in force. We never redirect one to the other.

Questions about Section 314

What does Section 314 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita deal with?

Section 314 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita is headed "Interpretation of evidence to accused or his advocate". Whenever any evidence is given in a language not understood by the accused, and he is present in Court in person, it shall be interpreted to him in open Court in a language understood by him.

How do I find court cases under Section 314 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: BNSS 314, section 314 BNSS, section 314 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. People searching for it also type bns 314 section and bns 314 4. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

What should I read with Section 314 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and has it changed?

It carries forward CrPC 279 (Interpretation of evidence to accused or his pleader), so the judgments decided under that provision are the case law on this one.

When did Section 314 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita come into force?

Section 314 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, cited as BNSS 314, came into force on 01 Jul 2024, having been enacted on 25 Dec 2023. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 14 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.