Section 194 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, (BSA), 2023
It appears there’s some confusion in how "Section 194" applies across the three new Acts:
🔹 Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 – Evidence Act
I couldn’t find a Section 194 defined within the Evidence-focused Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Its scope covers Sections 1–168 and deals with rules of evidence—not police investigation—so it doesn’t appear to include a Section 194.
🔹 Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 – Criminal Procedure
Here, Section 194 is clearly defined:
Police to enquire and report on suicide, etc.
When a person is found dead and the circumstances are unnatural—such as suspected suicide, homicide, accident, or death by machinery or animal—
The Officer in Charge must immediately inform the nearest Executive Magistrate empowered to conduct inquests.
The Officer, along with two respectable inhabitants, must inspect the scene, examine the body for wounds or injuries, and
Prepare and send a signed report to the District Magistrate within 24 hours (indiankanoon.org, en.wikipedia.org, prsindia.org, kanoongpt.in).
This section ensures proper preliminary investigation and immediate reporting in case of suspicious or unexplained death by the police.
🔹 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 – Substantive Criminal Law
Here, Section 194 defines the offence of affray (a public fight disturbing peace):
Two or more persons fighting in a public place disturbs public peace → affray.
Punishable by imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both (apnilaw.com, bharatiyanyayasanhita.online).
✅ Quick Summary
Act
Section 194 – Meaning
Highlights
BSA (Evidence Act)
—
No Section 194 exists
BNSS (CrPC)
Police enquiry & report in unnatural deaths
Officer + two locals inspect & report to DM within 24 h
BNS (Criminal Law)
Affray – public fight offence
Punishable by ≤1 month imprisonment or ₹1,000 fine
💡 Recommendation
If your interest is in investigative procedures for death events, you're looking at Section 194 of the BNSS (CrPC). If you're researching offences like street fighting, refer to Section 194 of the BNS. There is no Section 194 in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (the Evidence Act).
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