BNSS Section 258 — Judgment of acquittal or conviction

Summary

After hearing the arguments and any legal points raised, the judge must deliver a judgment as soon as possible, and within 30 days of the arguments finishing. This period can be extended to 45 days if the judge writes down the reasons for the delay. If the accused is found guilty, the judge must first hear the accused on the matter of sentencing before passing the sentence, unless the judge follows the procedure under section 401.

Official Text

(1) After hearing arguments and points of law (if any), the Judge shall give a judgment in the case, as soon as possible, within a period of thirty days from the date of completion of arguments, which may be extended to a period of forty-five days for reasons to be recorded in writing.

(2) If the accused is convicted, the Judge shall, unless he proceeds in accordance with the provisions of section 401, hear the accused on the questions of sentence, and then pass sentence on him according to law.

Related Judgments

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

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• CrPC §235 — Judgment of acquittal or conviction