Interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfully
Section 282 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 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 Apr 1974. Repealed by section 531 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023) with effect from 1 July 2024, but conduct before that date is still charged, tried and appealed under it.
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 282, The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act 2 of 1974).
Now in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
BNSS 317 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 The repealed enactment still governs what happened while it was in force.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.
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 282
What have the courts held on Section 282 of the Code of Criminal Procedure?
Tuncay Alankus vs C.b.i. (23 May 2008) is the leading judgment on this section among those set out below: 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 282 of the Code of Criminal Procedure?
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: CRPC 282, section 282 CRPC, section 282 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 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 282 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and has it changed?
For anything done on or after 1 July 2024 the provision to read is BNSS 317 (Interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfully), which replaced it; conduct before that date is still charged, tried and appealed under this section.
When did Section 282 of the Code of Criminal Procedure come into force?
Section 282 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, cited as CRPC 282, came into force on 01 Apr 1974, having been enacted on 25 Jan 1974. It is no longer in force.
Other sections of this Act
- 320. Compounding of offences1554 words
- 167. Procedure when investigation cannot be completed in twenty four hours1005 words
- 220. Trial for more than one offence962 words
- 360. Order to release on probation of good conduct or after admonition804 words
- 2. Definitions799 words
- 198. Prosecution for offences against marriage774 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. Recovered from the consolidated text published by India Code (item 330a1099-77ad-4a2e-b22a-769b33398f9e). This page is not a substitute for legal advice.