Section 111 BNSS: Definitions
Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 defines important expressions used in the Chapter dealing with reciprocal arrangements for assistance in certain matters and procedures relating to property. These statutory definitions guide the interpretation of the provisions that follow, including letters of request, transfer of persons, attachment, forfeiture, identification and tracing of property.
Definitions Under Section 111 BNSS
(a) Contracting State
"contracting State" means any country or place outside India in respect of which arrangements have been made by the Central Government with the Government of such country through a treaty or otherwise.
This definition identifies the foreign countries or places with which the Central Government has established arrangements for cooperation under the Chapter. The arrangement may arise through a treaty or by another recognized governmental arrangement.
(b) Identifying
"identifying" includes establishment of a proof that the property was derived from, or used in, the commission of an offence.
The expression therefore covers the process of establishing the connection between property and criminal activity, including proof that the property originated from an offence or was used in committing one.
(c) Proceeds of Crime
"proceeds of crime" means any property derived or obtained directly or indirectly, by any person as a result of criminal activity (including crime involving currency transfers) or the value of any such property.
The definition is broad. It covers property directly obtained from criminal activity, property indirectly derived from it, criminal activity involving currency transfers, and the value of such property.
(d) Property
"property" means property and assets of every description whether corporeal or incorporeal, movable or immovable, tangible or intangible and deeds and instruments evidencing title to, or interest in, such property or assets derived or used in the commission of an offence and includes property obtained through proceeds of crime.
This is an intentionally wide definition. It includes physical and non-physical assets, movable and immovable assets, tangible and intangible interests, title documents and instruments, assets derived from or used in an offence, and property obtained through proceeds of crime.
(e) Tracing
"tracing" means determining the nature, source, disposition, movement, title or ownership of property.
Tracing therefore concerns the process of finding and establishing key facts about property, including where it came from, where it moved, how it was dealt with, and who holds title or ownership.
Why Section 111 Is Important
Section 111 supplies the interpretative foundation for the provisions that follow in the same Chapter. Expressions such as "proceeds of crime", "property", "identifying" and "tracing" are central to provisions dealing with attachment, forfeiture and assistance in relation to unlawfully acquired property. The definition of "contracting State" is important for international cooperation under the Chapter.
Related BNSS Provisions
Section 111 should be read with the provisions that follow it, including Section 112 on a letter of request for investigation outside India, Section 113 on a letter of request from outside India for investigation in India, Section 114 on assistance in securing transfer of persons, Section 115 on assistance relating to attachment or forfeiture, Section 116 on identifying unlawfully acquired property, and Section 117 on seizure or attachment of property.
Current Legal Status
Official Legal Sources
For the authoritative statutory text and official government material, readers may consult India Code - Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Ministry of Home Affairs - New Criminal Laws.
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026.