Courts and Litigation
New Criminal Laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA): A Citizen's Guide to What Changed
By ATTPL Legal Editorial Team · · 2 min read
A plain-language look at how the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Sakshya Adhiniyam affect FIRs, evidence and trials.
Three laws, one system
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaced the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act for the criminal justice system. Courts and police are still adapting; official workshops, such as one reported in August 2026, continue to train judicial officers.
What matters to citizens
- Electronic information can be used to report an offence, and 'Zero FIR' allows registration at any police station irrespective of jurisdiction, subject to the law.
- Digital tools such as e-summons, e-Sakshya and Nyaya Shruti support electronic delivery, evidence and video appearance.
- Electronic records are recognised as documentary evidence with certification requirements.
- Section numbers have changed, so old references in notices and agreements may need updating.
What to do if you are involved in a case
Ask your advocate which section applies, keep digital evidence safe in its original form and respond promptly to notices.
If you need to report an offence
You may report an offence at a police station or provide information electronically, subject to the legal requirements. Ask for a copy of the FIR or acknowledgement and note the reference number. If the police refuse to register a complaint, the law provides remedies such as approaching senior officers or the magistrate, and your advocate can guide you on the best route.
Write down the facts, dates and names while memory is fresh, and preserve any evidence in its original form.
If you are summoned or accused
Do not ignore a notice. Contact an advocate, collect the documents served on you and follow the instructions regarding appearance. Know your rights, including the right to legal assistance and to be informed of the grounds of arrest. Avoid discussing the matter on social media.
Digital evidence and privacy
Because the new evidence law gives electronic records an explicit place, people involved in disputes should take care with phones, emails and cloud accounts. Do not tamper with devices, and be aware that investigators may seek access under legal procedures. Seek legal advice on how to respond to requests and orders.
Support
ATTPL Legal connects clients in Jaipur and across India with advocates and prepares documentation for criminal and civil matters.
Frequently asked questions
Do old IPC section numbers still matter?
For offences committed before the new laws took effect, the older law may still apply. Ask your advocate about the correct provision.
Can I file an e-FIR?
Information can be given electronically and must be signed within the prescribed time; procedures vary by state, so confirm with the police.
Sources and further reading
This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Laws and procedures change; consult a qualified advocate about your specific matter.
