Section 307 BNSS: Language of Courts (Formerly Section 272 CrPC)

Section 307 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Language of Courts

Official Bare Act Text

Override / Mandate Mens Rea (Intent) Actus Reus (Conduct) Punishment Limitation Monetary

The State Government may determine what shall be, for purposes of this Sanhita, the language of each Court within the State other than the High Court.

Statutory Defined Terms in this Section: (Click any term for official legal definition)

Inquiry Sec 2(1)(g) Investigation Sec 2(1)(h) Victim Sec 2(1)(w)

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 307

Section 307 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to Section 272 of the CrPC, 1973) empowers the State Government to determine the language of each Court within the State, other than the High Court.

State Executive Power: The State Government may determine what shall be the language of each Court within the State other than the High Court.
Official Judicial Language: Determines the language in which plaints, complaints, evidence, and orders must ordinarily be transcribed.
Subordinate to Constitutional Safeguards: Court language rules cannot override the accused's constitutional right to understand the proceedings against them.

Key Landmark Precedents:

Union of India v. C. Dinakar, (2004) 4 SCC 447: Held that state language notifications govern administrative court business but do not diminish the right of accused to have records translated if they do not know the language.
Sunita Devi v. State of Bihar, (2005) 1 SCC 608: Reaffirmed that criminal proceedings must remain intelligible to the litigant, ensuring natural justice is maintained regardless of official state court language.

Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

When operating in jurisdictions where local court language is unfamiliar to the client or counsel, invoke Section 314 to request certified translations or court interpreters.