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Wednesday, 11 November 2026 Judgments, law jobs and study notes, written by a practising advocate
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Chapter III: Power Of Courts

Section 22 BNSS: Sentences which High Courts and Sessions Judges may pass

Corresponding CrPC
Section 28 CrPC

Bare Act text

(1) A High Court may pass any sentence authorised by law.

(2) A Sessions Judge or Additional Sessions Judge may pass any sentence authorised by law; but any sentence of death passed by any such Judge shall be subject to confirmation by the High Court.

Text as enacted in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 46 of 2023), in force from 1 July 2024. Source: India Code, Government of India.

In simple words

Allows a High Court, and a Sessions Judge or Additional Sessions Judge, to pass any sentence authorised by law. A death sentence passed by a Sessions Judge or Additional Sessions Judge is subject to confirmation by the High Court.

Chapter III: Power Of Courts

  1. 21 Courts by which offences are triable
  2. 22 Sentences which High Courts and Sessions Judges may pass
  3. 23 Sentences which Magistrates may pass
  4. 24 Sentence of imprisonment in default of fine
  5. 25 Sentence in cases of conviction of several offences at one trial
  6. 26 Mode of conferring powers
  7. 27 Powers of officers appointed
  8. 28 Withdrawal of powers
  9. 29 Powers of Judges and Magistrates exercisable by their successors-in-office
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