Section 476 CrPC - Forms: Section 522 BNSS Explained

Section 476 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 recognises the prescribed forms in the Second Schedule. The corresponding provision under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 is Section 522.

Text of Section 476 CrPC - Forms

Section 522 BNSS - Current Corresponding Provision

Section 522 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, titled Forms, retains the same substantive wording:

The Second Schedule referred to in Section 522 is the Second Schedule to the BNSS, not automatically the Second Schedule to the repealed CrPC. Refer to the applicable statute and prescribed form for the particular proceeding.

Meaning and Legal Effect

1. Forms in the Second Schedule

The Second Schedule supplies standard formats for specified criminal procedure documents. For example, the BNSS Second Schedule begins with a notice for appearance by the police under Section 35(3). The prescribed form should be matched to the relevant statutory purpose.

2. Permitted variations

The words "with such variations as the circumstances of each case require" allow necessary adaptation of a form to the facts and requirements of a case. They do not authorise dispensing with mandatory statutory conditions or applicable judicial rules.

3. Sufficiency of prescribed forms

The phrase "if used shall be sufficient" means that a properly used statutory form is recognised as adequate for its specified purpose, subject to the governing law. The section does not make every incorrectly completed document valid.

4. Article 227 of the Constitution

Article 227 confers superintendence on High Courts over courts and tribunals within their territorial jurisdiction, subject to constitutional limits. Its rule-making powers are relevant to procedural forms, and Section 522 expressly makes use of scheduled forms subject to that constitutional power.

Which Provision Applies After 1 July 2024?

For proceedings governed by the BNSS, refer to Section 522 and the BNSS Second Schedule. Section 531(2)(a) contains a savings rule for appeals, applications, trials, inquiries and investigations pending immediately before commencement, which generally continue under the CrPC. The procedural history and any applicable special law or court rules should be checked before selecting a form.

Practical Checklist

• Identify whether the proceeding is governed by the BNSS or saved under the CrPC.
• Find the specific form in the relevant Second Schedule.
• Check the section mentioned in that form and any mandatory information.
• Make only those changes that the case and applicable procedural rules permit.
• Check any relevant High Court rules and filing directions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNSS equivalent of Section 476 CrPC?

Section 522 of the BNSS, 2023, deals with Forms and corresponds to Section 476 CrPC.

Are the words of the two sections different?

The operative statutory wording is the same. The schedules to which the respective provisions refer belong to different procedural enactments.

Can a scheduled form be modified?

Yes. The section permits variations required by the circumstances of a case, subject to the law and relevant court rules.

Does Section 476 CrPC still matter?

Yes, for proceedings that remain governed by the CrPC under applicable savings provisions, including Section 531 BNSS.

Official Legal Sources

Updated: 19 October 2026. This article provides general legal information; verify the current statutory text, notifications and court rules for the matter concerned.