Interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfully
Section 317 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 deals with interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfully. When the services of an interpreter are required by any Criminal Court for the interpretation of any evidence or statement, he shall be bound to state the true interpretation of such evidence or statement. The Act came into force on 01 Jul 2024.
When the services of an interpreter are required by any Criminal Court for the interpretation of any evidence or statement, he shall be bound to state the true interpretation of such evidence or statement.
Section 317, The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Act 46 of 2023).
Replaces a provision of the Code of Criminal Procedure
CRPC 282 Interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfully Text carried over almost unchanged 100%
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 The repealed enactment still governs what happened while it was in force.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.
Related judgements & precedents
These are some judgments that construed this section, and hold precedence value. They hold authority on how to read, interpret and use this section.
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Tuncay Alankus vs C.b.i.
Decided under Code of Criminal Procedure 282, which this section replaces. The court did not have this Act before it.
Court's Decision & Legal Precedent
While the right to a fair trial includes the right to an interpreter who can accurately translate proceedings in a language understood by the accused, the trial court has discretion to assess whether a request for change of interpreter is warranted based on the actual proceedings, demonstrated prejudice, and interests of justice. The trial court's assessment of interpreter competence based on academic qualifications and the conduct of proceedings is entitled to deference, and a request for change of interpreter cannot be granted merely on the accused's assertion of incompetence without demonstrating actual prejudice or failure of justice. The provisions of Sections 278, 279, and 282 CrPC are mandatory in requiring provision of an interpreter, but do not mandate replacement of an interpreter upon every request by the accused.
On this section: Casts a duty on the interpreter to state the true interpretation of evidence or statement; interpreter is bound by oath to provide accurate translation
The holding above is the ratio decidendi as extracted from the judgment by eCourts India, reproduced unaltered — it is a rendering of the court's reasoning, not a substitute for its words. Read the order itself before relying on it.
Questions about Section 317
What have the courts held on Section 317 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita?
Tuncay Alankus vs C.b.i. (23 May 2008) is the leading judgment on this section among those set out below, though it was decided under CRPC 282, which this section replaced -- the court never mentioned this Act: Casts a duty on the interpreter to state the true interpretation of evidence or statement; interpreter is bound by oath to provide accurate translation.
How do I find court cases under Section 317 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 317, section 317 BNSS, section 317 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. People searching for it also type bnss 317(2) and bnss 317 4. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome. 1 reported judgment on this section is set out on this page, beginning with Tuncay Alankus vs C.b.i. (23 May 2008).
What should I read with Section 317 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and has it changed?
It carries forward CrPC 282 (Interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfully), so the judgments decided under that provision are the case law on this one.
When did Section 317 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita come into force?
Section 317 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, cited as BNSS 317, 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
- 359. Compounding of offences1355 words
- 187. Procedure when investigation cannot be completed in twenty-four hours1122 words
- 2. Definitions956 words
- 243. Trial for more than one offence930 words
- 35. When police may arrest without warrant881 words
- 480. When bail may be taken in case of non-bailable offence823 words
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 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.