Jurisdiction of Courts for Specific Offences under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which replaces the Criminal Procedure Code of 1973, clearly outlines the jurisdiction of courts for various offenses, ensuring that legal processes are well-defined. Sections 187-189 specify both territorial and hierarchical jurisdiction, determining where cases are tried based on the location of the offense or its seriousness. For example, Sessions Courts are designated to handle serious crimes (Sections 225-237), while Magistrates deal with less severe offenses (Sections 190-199). Additionally, special provisions like Section 198 address offenses related to marriage, customizing jurisdiction according to the nature of the crime. This organized framework aims to improve judicial efficiency and clarity, contributing to the modernization of India’s criminal justice system.