BNSS Section 314 — Interpretation of evidence to accused or his advocate

Summary

If evidence is given in a language the accused does not understand, and the accused is present in court in person, the court must have that evidence interpreted into a language the accused understands, and this interpretation must happen openly in court. If the accused is represented by an advocate and the evidence is given in a language that is not the court’s language and the advocate does not understand it, the evidence must be interpreted for the advocate into that language. When documents are presented only for formal proof, the court has the discretion to interpret only as much of them as it considers necessary.

Official Text

(1) Whenever any evidence is given in a language not understood by the accused, and he is present in Court in person, it shall be interpreted to him in open Court in a language understood by him.

(2) If he appears by an advocate and the evidence is given in a language other than the language of the Court, and not understood by the advocate, it shall be interpreted to such advocate in that language.

(3) When documents are put for the purpose of formal proof, it shall be in the discretion of the Court to interpret as much thereof as appears necessary.

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

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• CrPC §279 — Interpretation of evidence to accused or his advocate