Criminal Procedure | Updated 18 October 2026

Section 214 CrPC: Meaning of Words in a Criminal Charge | Section 237 BNSS

The words used to describe an alleged offence in a criminal charge are understood in the legal sense given to them by the statute that makes the conduct punishable. This rule appeared in Section 214 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), and is carried forward in Section 237 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).

Current law: The BNSS took effect on 1 July 2024. Section 237 BNSS is the corresponding provision for interpreting words in a charge. For proceedings pending before commencement, the savings provision in Section 531 BNSS may require continued application of the CrPC.

Section 214 CrPC: Statutory provision

In every charge words used in describing an offence shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable.

In simple terms, words such as dishonestly, fraudulently, theft, criminal breach of trust and grievous hurt are not interpreted merely according to ordinary conversation. Their meaning comes from the applicable penal law and any statutory definitions or interpretive rules.

Section 237 BNSS: Corresponding provision

Section 237 BNSS, titled Words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishable, preserves the principle that the expressions in a charge carry the meanings assigned by the law creating or punishing the offence. It does not itself create an offence or prescribe a punishment; it is a rule for interpreting a formally framed charge.

The substantive law may be the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), where applicable to earlier conduct, or a special criminal statute. The charge must identify the correct penal provision, considering the date of the alleged act and any applicable savings or transition rules.

Why this interpretation rule matters

Clarity for the accused: the accused can identify the legal accusation and prepare a defence.
Consistency: the court applies statutory meanings rather than informal or shifting interpretations.
Proof of elements: the prosecution must establish the ingredients of the charged offence; merely using its legal name in the charge is not proof.
Fair notice: a charge must still comply with the requirements concerning the offence, law, time, place and manner where necessary.

Examples of words used in criminal charges

1. Theft

When a charge alleges theft, the term is read according to the statutory definition of theft in the penal law applicable to the alleged conduct. The prosecution must prove the legally required elements; the label alone is insufficient.

2. Dishonestly and fraudulently

These words can have defined legal meanings. Whether the alleged conduct was dishonest or fraudulent must be assessed using the relevant statute and evidence, not merely a witness's everyday understanding of the words.

3. Criminal breach of trust

A charge alleging criminal breach of trust must be understood in light of the applicable offence definition, including any requirement concerning entrustment or dominion over property and dishonest dealing with it.

4. Grievous hurt

The expression refers to legally specified categories of injury under the relevant penal statute. An injury described colloquially as serious is not automatically grievous hurt unless it meets the statutory test.

Relationship with other provisions on framing charges

Section 211 CrPC (Section 234 BNSS): contents of a charge, including identification of the offence and relevant legal section.
Section 212 CrPC (Section 235 BNSS): particulars of time, place, person or property.
Section 213 CrPC (Section 236 BNSS): additional particulars about the manner of commission when needed to give sufficient notice.
Section 215 CrPC (Section 238 BNSS): effect of errors in a charge, considered with the question of whether the accused was misled and a failure of justice occurred.
Section 216 CrPC (Section 239 BNSS): alteration or addition of a charge by the court.

Does Section 214 CrPC decide guilt or innocence?

No. It clarifies the legal sense of words in a charge. A charge is an accusation to be tried, not a finding of guilt. The prosecution remains responsible for proving the elements of the offence to the applicable criminal standard.

Frequently asked questions

What is Section 214 CrPC?

It directs that words describing an offence in a criminal charge are interpreted according to the meanings assigned by the law under which the offence is punishable.

Which BNSS section corresponds to Section 214 CrPC?

Section 237 of the BNSS, 2023.

Can ordinary dictionary meanings override statutory definitions?

Generally, no. Where the applicable penal statute defines an expression, that statutory meaning governs its use in the charge.

Is the IPC still relevant after the BNS came into force?

It can be relevant to offences alleged to have occurred before the change in substantive criminal law and in other situations governed by applicable savings provisions. The date and facts of the case matter.

Official legal sources

Consult the authoritative texts and amendments through India Code (Government of India) for the CrPC, BNSS, IPC and BNS. Notifications concerning implementation can also be checked through the Ministry of Home Affairs. For an individual case, verify the law applicable on the date of the alleged offence and the procedural stage.

This article provides general legal information and is not a substitute for advice based on the case record.