Bharat Samvidhan
BNSS Section 355

Section 355 BNSS: includes attendance through audio-video electronic means

Official criminal procedure provision under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Official Statutory Wording (100% Legally Correct)

(1) At any stage of an inquiry or trial under this Sanhita, if the Judge or Magistrate is satisfied, for reasons to be recorded, that the personal attendance of the accused before the Court is not necessary in the interests of justice, or that the accused persistently disturbs the proceedings in Court, the Judge or Magistrate may, if the accused is represented by an advocate, dispense with his attendance and proceed with such inquiry or trial in his absence, and may, at any subsequent stage of the proceedings, direct the personal attendance of such accused. (2) If the accused in any such case is not represented by an advocate, or if the Judge or Magistrate considers his personal attendance necessary, he may, if he thinks fit and for reasons to be recorded by him, either adjourn such inquiry or trial, or order that the case of such accused be taken up or tried separately. Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, personal attendance of the accused

Simplified Legal Summary

This section details the statutory rules, frameworks, and procedures under Section 355 of the BNSS.

Legal Compliance Notice

This content is compiled from the official Gazette of India publication. For active legal actions, petitions, or filings, citizens are advised to cross-reference this clause with their legal advocate under the corresponding Sections of the BNSS 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does BNSS Section 355 cover?

A: Section 355 of the BNSS 2023 deals with: "includes attendance through audio-video electronic means". It is part of India's updated criminal procedure law that replaced the old CrPC 1973, effective July 1, 2024.

Q: Which old CrPC section does BNSS Section 355 replace?

A: BNSS Section 355 ("includes attendance through audio-video electronic means") is part of the BNSS 2023 which replaced the entire CrPC 1973. Many sections were renumbered — use the Law Decoder for exact cross-references.

Q: Does BNSS Section 355 apply across all Indian states?

A: Yes. BNSS 2023 applies to the whole of India except Nagaland and specified tribal areas (per Section 1 BNSS). Section 355 ("includes attendance through audio-video electronic means") follows this national applicability.

Q: When did BNSS Section 355 come into effect?

A: The BNSS 2023 — including Section 355 ("includes attendance through audio-video electronic means") — came into effect on July 1, 2024, by Central Government notification in the Official Gazette.