how many sections are there in CRPC

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Answered on07/28/26

The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) had 484 sections, arranged across 37 chapters, along with two schedules. Section 1 dealt with its short title, extent and commencement, while Section 484 dealt with repeal and savings.

However, there is one very important update: CrPC is no longer India's current Criminal Procedure Code. From 1 July 2024, it was replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).

I think this distinction is extremely important for students. If an old exam question asks “How many sections are in CrPC?”, the answer is 484. But if you're studying India's current criminal procedure in 2026, you need to study BNSS as well.

CrPC Structure

The CrPC was enacted in 1973 and came into force on 1 April 1974. Its basic structure was:

CrPC	Number
Sections	484
Chapters	37
Schedules	2
Came into force	1 April 1974
Replaced nationally	1 July 2024

The First Schedule classified offences, while the Second Schedule contained forms used for criminal proceedings.

When studying a law this large, I personally wouldn't try to memorize 484 sections one after another. Understanding them chapter-wise, arrest, investigation, trial, bail, appeals, and so on, makes the structure much easier to retain.

What CrPC Covered

CrPC primarily dealt with the procedure followed in criminal cases.

It covered areas such as arrest of persons, investigation, summons and warrants, criminal courts, trials, bail, appeals, maintenance, execution of sentences, and powers of Magistrates and High Courts.

For example, the famous Section 482 dealt with the inherent powers of High Courts, while Section 438 concerned anticipatory bail.

This is why CrPC was procedural law: it largely explained how the criminal justice process should operate.

CrPC vs. IPC

CrPC and IPC performed different jobs.

IPC defined criminal offenses and their punishments, whereas CrPC provided the procedure for dealing with criminal cases.

A simple way I remember the difference is:

IPC → What is the crime and punishment?

CrPC → How does the criminal case proceed?

Today, however, both names belong to India's previous criminal-law framework.

Current BNSS Position

From 1 July 2024, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced CrPC. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirms that India's three new criminal laws came into force from that date.

BNSS contains 531 sections, with Section 531 specifically providing for the repeal of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, while preserving certain pending proceedings through its savings provisions.

FAQs

How many sections were there in CrPC 1973?

There were 484 numbered sections.

How many chapters were in the CrPC?

The CrPC was divided into 37 chapters.

How many sections are in BNSS?

BNSS contains 531 numbered sections.

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Tara Verma

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Tara Verma is a practising teacher and education content writer with over 10 years of classroom experience across primary and secondary levels. She holds a Master's degree in Education (M.Ed.) from Delhi University and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Jamia Millia Islamia — qualifications that ground her writing in both pedagogical theory and the day-to-day realities of teaching in India. Her content covers exam preparation strategies, learning methodologies, curriculum guidance, student mental health, career counselling for students, and the evolving state of school and higher education in India. Her work has appeared on platforms including TeacherVision India, Jagran Josh, and Careers360, where she writes for students, parents, and fellow educators who need content built on actual teaching experience — not theory alone. Over a decade of working directly with students across age groups and learning levels has given Tara a practical understanding of how education content should be written — clearly, accessibly, and with genuine awareness of the challenges students and teachers face on the ground. She has taught 1,000+ students, contributed to school curriculum development initiatives, and published 250+ articles on education across digital platforms. She is an active member of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) India. Across all her writing, every recommendation is classroom-tested, every insight comes from direct teaching experience, and every article is held to the same standard she applies in her own classroom — accuracy, clarity, and genuine usefulness for the reader.

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Replying to the question above

Answered on05/10/21

Code of Criminal Procedure Act contains 484 sections, 2 schedules and 56 forms. The sections are divided into 37 chapters. The Code of Criminal Procedure provides the investigation of crime, collection of evidence and punishment of the guilty. It also deals with the maintenance of wife, child and parents. The Act was started on 1st April, 1974. The CRPC is applicable in whole India. The bodies which function under the criminal code are Supreme Court of India, High Courts, Executive and Judicial Magistrates, Police.

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Pallavi Rajput

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Replying to the question above

Answered on05/10/21

There are 484 sections in CRPC. It is also called criminal procedure code

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Vijay Aggarwal

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