Section 307 BNSS - Language of Courts
Section 307 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 deals with the language of criminal courts. It authorises the State Government to determine the language of each Court within the State for the purposes of the Sanhita, while expressly excluding the High Court from that power.
Bare Provision of Section 307 BNSS
Meaning and Scope of Section 307 BNSS
Section 307 is an enabling provision concerning the official language to be used by criminal courts governed by the BNSS. The power is conferred on the State Government, which may determine the language of each Court in the State for proceedings under the Sanhita.
The provision contains an express limitation: the State Government's power under Section 307 does not extend to the High Court. The language used in the High Court is therefore outside the scope of this section.
| Who has the power? | The State Government. |
|---|---|
| What may be determined? | The language of each Court for the purposes of the BNSS. |
| Which courts are covered? | Courts within the State that are governed by the provision. |
| Which court is excluded? | The High Court. |
Why Section 307 Matters
Criminal proceedings require a legally recognised court language for recording, presenting and understanding proceedings and records. Section 307 provides the statutory basis for the State Government to determine that language for courts other than the High Court.
The provision should also be read with the neighbouring BNSS provisions dealing with recording evidence and proceedings. In particular, Section 308 BNSS deals with evidence being taken in the presence of the accused, Section 309 BNSS concerns records in summons-cases and inquiries, and Section 310 BNSS concerns records in warrant-cases.
Key Points at a Glance
- Section 307 concerns the language of courts under the BNSS.
- The State Government is the authority empowered by the section.
- The power applies to courts within the State for BNSS purposes.
- The High Court is expressly excluded.
- The section must be applied together with other BNSS provisions governing the recording and conduct of criminal proceedings.
Practical note: The actual language applicable to a particular subordinate criminal court may depend on the relevant State Government notification, rules or other legally applicable directions. Court users should check the current position applicable in the concerned State or Union Territory.
Related BNSS Provisions
- Section 301 - Definitions
- Section 302 - Power to require attendance of prisoners
- Section 303 - Power to exclude certain persons from operation of Section 302
- Section 304 - Officer in charge of prison to abstain from carrying out order in certain contingencies
- Section 305 - Prisoner to be brought to Court in custody
- Section 306 - Power to issue commission for examination of witness in prison
- Section 308 - Evidence to be taken in presence of accused
- Section 309 - Record in summons-cases and inquiries
- Section 310 - Record in warrant-cases
Official Sources
For authoritative statutory text and current official material, refer to the Government of India's official legal and criminal law portals.