This section explains how a criminal case moves through the system in Bangalore, from the first complaint at the police station to the final judgment. It covers filing an FIR, getting bail, your rights during investigation, the stages of a trial and how a case can be quashed or closed.
Criminal procedure is now governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) from 1 July 2024. Each guide explains the new BNSS section alongside the old CrPC one.
Bail and Anticipatory Bail in Bangalore
How regular bail and anticipatory bail work in Bangalore under the BNSS (formerly CrPC 436–439): bailable and non-bailable offences, conditions, courts and documents.
How to File an FIR in Bangalore
How to file an FIR in Bangalore under BNSS 173: Zero FIR, e-FIR, what to do if the police refuse, and your rights as a complainant.
Quashing an FIR in the Karnataka High Court
How to quash an FIR or criminal case in the Karnataka High Court under BNSS 528 (formerly CrPC 482): grounds, the Bhajan Lal categories, settlement and process.
Stages of a Criminal Trial
The stages of a criminal trial in India: FIR, investigation, charge sheet, framing of charges, evidence, arguments and judgment, under the CrPC and BNSS.
Cognizable and Non-Cognizable Offences
Cognizable and non-cognizable offences: when the police can register an FIR and arrest without a warrant, under the old CrPC and the new BNSS.
Section 207 CrPC: Copies of Documents to the Accused
Section 207 CrPC, now BNSS 230: the right of the accused to free copies of the police report, FIR, statements and documents before the trial begins.
Powers of Criminal Courts to Investigate and Try Cases
The powers of criminal courts to order investigation, take cognizance and conduct trials, from magistrates to sessions courts, under the CrPC and BNSS.
How Criminal Proceedings End
How criminal proceedings end: withdrawal, compounding, discharge, acquittal and quashing, with the CrPC and BNSS sections that apply to each.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a criminal case take in Bangalore?
It varies widely. Bail can be decided in days, while a full trial can take several years depending on the offence, the number of witnesses and the court’s workload. The BNSS sets some new timelines, such as for filing charge sheets.
Can I get anticipatory bail before an FIR is filed?
Yes, if you have a reasonable fear of arrest for a non-bailable offence. You can apply to the Sessions Court or the High Court under Section 482 BNSS.
What is a Zero FIR?
A Zero FIR can be registered at any police station, whatever the place of the offence. The station then transfers it to the police station with jurisdiction. The BNSS now provides for it expressly.
Related: criminal offence guides and criminal justice topics.
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