BNSS Section 231 — Supply of copies of statements and documents to accused in other cases triable by Court of Session

CHAPTER XVII COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS BEFORE MAGISTRATES

Criminal

Summary

In cases that are started through a private complaint rather than a police report, if the Magistrate who issues a summons decides the offence can only be tried by a Sessions Court, the Magistrate must immediately give the accused person free copies of certain documents. These include statements recorded by the Magistrate, any confessions recorded under specific sections, and any documents the prosecution plans to use as evidence. If a document is very long, the Magistrate may allow the accused or their lawyer to inspect it in court instead of providing a copy. Providing these documents in electronic form counts as properly giving them to the accused.

Official Text

Where, in a case instituted otherwise than on a police report, it appears to the Magistrate issuing process under section 227 that the offence is triable exclusively by the Court of Session, the Magistrate shall forthwith furnish to the accused, free of cost, a copy of each of the following:—

(i) the statements recorded under section 223 or section 225, of all persons examined by the Magistrate;

(ii) the statements and confessions, if any, recorded under section 180 or section 183;

(iii) any documents produced before the Magistrate on which the prosecution proposes to rely:

Provided that if the Magistrate is satisfied that any such document is voluminous, he shall, instead of furnishing the accused with a copy thereof, direct that he will only be allowed to inspect it either personally or through an advocate in Court: Provided further that supply of documents in electronic form shall be considered as duly furnished.

Related Judgments

  • SC (2025) Vol.5 p.730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2024) Vol.7 p.979 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • SC (2025) Vol.6 p.545 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • .. Petitioner/Accused No.12 vs The State of Tamilnadu, — Madras High Court ()
  • SC (2025) Vol.2 p.1588 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2024) Vol.12 p.335 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.1 p.1469 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • CrPC §208 — Supply of copies of statements and documents to accused in other cases triable by Court of Session