Section 513 BNSS: Definitions (Formerly Section 467 CrPC)

Section 513 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Definitions

Official Bare Act Text

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

For the purposes of this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, "period of limitation" means the period specified in section 514 for taking cognizance of an offence.

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 513

Section 513 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to Section 467 of the CrPC, 1973) defines the 'period of limitation' for the purposes of Chapter XXXV regarding the statutory bar on taking cognizance of offences after lapse of time.

Definition of Period of Limitation: In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, 'period of limitation' means the period specified in Section 514 for taking cognizance of an offence.
Statutory Anchor: Lays the definitional foundation for the limitation bars protecting citizens from stale, vexatious prosecutions.
Exclusion of Economic & Heinous Crimes: Operates in conjunction with special economic offences statutes and serious crimes carrying life/death sentences.

Key Landmark Precedents:

State of Punjab v. Sarwan Singh, (1981) 3 SCC 34: The Supreme Court held that the object of putting a bar of limitation on prosecution under Chapter XXXVI CrPC (Chapter XXXV BNSS) is to prevent parties from filing stale complaints and to protect citizens from harassment after long delays.
Sarah Mathew v. Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases, (2014) 2 SCC 62: The Constitution Bench settled that limitation provisions in criminal procedure must be construed purposively to prevent abuse of the judicial process.

Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

Check the maximum statutory penalty prescribed for the offence under BNS immediately; if the offence carries a fine or under 3 years imprisonment, compute the limitation period under Section 513/514 at the very threshold.