BNSS Section 22 — Sentences which High Courts and Sessions Judges may pass

Summary

A High Court can give any punishment that the law allows. A Sessions Judge or Additional Sessions Judge can also give any punishment that the law allows, but if they give a death sentence, that sentence must be confirmed by the High Court before it can be carried out.

Official Text

(1) A High Court may pass any sentence authorised by law.

(2) A Sessions Judge or Additional Sessions Judge may pass any sentence authorised by law; but any sentence of death passed by any such Judge shall be subject to confirmation by the High Court.

Related Judgments

• SC (2025) Vol.6 p.545 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.5 p.730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2024) Vol.7 p.979 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
• .. Petitioner/Accused No.12 vs The State of Tamilnadu, — Madras High Court ()
• SC (2025) Vol.2 p.1588 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.1 p.1469 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• CrPC §28 — Sentences which High Courts and Sessions Judges may pass