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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 XXV: Evidence In Inquiries And Trials

Section 312 BNSS: Language of record of evidence

Corresponding CrPC
Section 277 CrPC

Bare Act text

In every case where evidence is taken down under section 310 or section 311,—

(a) if the witness gives evidence in the language of the Court, it shall be taken down in that language;

(b) if he gives evidence in any other language, it may, if practicable, be taken down in that language, and if it is not practicable to do so, a true translation of the evidence in the language of the Court shall be prepared as the examination of the witness proceeds, signed by the Magistrate or presiding Judge, and shall form part of the record;

(c) where under clause (b) evidence is taken down in a language other than the language of the Court, a true translation thereof in the language of the Court shall be prepared as soon as practicable, signed by the Magistrate or presiding Judge, and shall form part of the record:

Provided that when under clause (b) evidence is taken down in English and a translation thereof in the language of the Court is not required by any of the parties, the Court may dispense with such translation.

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

Evidence taken down under sections 310 or 311 is recorded in the Court's language if the witness gives it in that language. If given in another language it is taken down in that language where practicable, and otherwise a true translation into the Court's language is prepared as the examination proceeds.

Chapter XXV: Evidence In Inquiries And Trials

  1. 307 Language of Courts
  2. 308 Evidence to be taken in presence of accused
  3. 309 Record in summons-cases and inquiries
  4. 310 Record in warrant-cases
  5. 311 Record in trial before Court of Session
  6. 312 Language of record of evidence
  7. 313 Procedure in regard to such evidence when completed
  8. 314 Interpretation of evidence to accused or his advocate
  9. 315 Remarks respecting demeanour of witness
  10. 316 Record of examination of accused
  11. 317 Interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfully
  12. 318 Record in High Court
  13. 319 When attendance of witness may be dispensed with and commission issued
  14. 320 Commission to whom to be issued
  15. 321 Execution of commissions
  16. 322 Parties may examine witnesses
  17. 323 Return of commission
  18. 324 Adjournment of proceeding
  19. 325 Execution of foreign commissions
  20. 326 Deposition of medical witness
  21. 327 Identification report of Magistrate
  22. 328 Evidence of officers of Mint
  23. 329 Reports of certain Government scientific experts
  24. 330 No formal proof of certain documents
  25. 331 Affidavit in proof of conduct of public servants
  26. 332 Evidence of formal character on affidavit
  27. 333 Authorities before whom affidavits may be sworn
  28. 334 Previous conviction or acquittal how proved
  29. 335 Record of evidence in absence of accused
  30. 336 Evidence of public servants, experts, police officers in certain cases
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