BNSS Section 289 — Application of Chapter

CHAPTER XXIII PLEA BARGAINING

Criminal

Summary

This chapter applies to an accused person in two situations. First, when a police officer has sent a report to court saying the accused committed an offence that is punishable by up to seven years in prison (not death, life imprisonment, or more than seven years). Second, when a magistrate has taken up a case based on a private complaint for such an offence, examined the complainant and witnesses, and issued a summons or warrant to the accused. However, this chapter does not apply if the offence harms the country’s socio-economic condition or is committed against a woman or a child. The Central Government will publish a list of offences that count as harming the socio-economic condition of the country.

Official Text

(1) This Chapter shall apply in respect of an accused against whom—

(a) the report has been forwarded by the officer in charge of the police station under section 193 alleging therein that an offence appears to have been committed by him other than an offence for which the punishment of death or of imprisonment for life or of imprisonment for a term exceeding seven years has been provided under the law for the time being in force; or

(b) a Magistrate has taken cognizance of an offence on complaint, other than an offence for which the punishment of death or of imprisonment for life or of imprisonment for a term exceeding seven years, has been provided under the law for the time being in force, and after examining complainant and witnesses under section 223, issued the process under section 227, but does not apply where such offence affects the socio-economic condition of the country or has been committed against a woman, or a child.

(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the Central Government shall, by notification, determine the offences under the law for the time being in force which shall be the offences affecting the socio-economic condition of the country.

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.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)

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