BNSS Defamation Cognisance Procedure: A Complete Guide

In today's digital age, defamation cases are on the rise, especially with social media amplifying reputational harms. Understanding the correct procedure for initiating legal action is crucial for victims seeking justice. The question on many minds is: What is the Procedure for Taking Cognisance for an Offence of Defamation under BNSS? The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) effective July 1, 2024, outlines a structured process emphasizing fairness and judicial oversight. This guide breaks it down step-by-step, drawing from key provisions and judicial insights. Note: This is general information and not specific legal advice; consult a qualified lawyer for your case.

Overview of Defamation under BNSS

Defamation, governed by Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS, replacing IPC Section 499), remains a non-cognizable offence. This classification means police cannot register an FIR or investigate without a magistrate's order. Cognisance— the court's judicial notice of an offence to initiate proceedings—can only be taken on a private complaint by the aggrieved person. As held in judicial precedents, That procedure which specially deals with the prosecution for defamation interdicts the Court from taking cognizance of offences under Chapter XXI of IPC (which deals with the offences of defamation) except upon a complaint made by some person aggrieved by the offence. 2018 0 Supreme(Ker) 204

Under BNSS, the process aligns with but updates CrPC provisions like Section 199, now reflected in Sections 223 and 226. Key changes include mandatory notices to the accused before cognisance, ensuring their right to be heard. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 23361 2024 Supreme(Online)(KER) 38686

Key Steps in the Procedure for Taking Cognisance

The BNSS mandates a rigorous, complainant-driven process. Here's how it typically unfolds:

1. Filing the Complaint

Only the aggrieved person (whose reputation is allegedly harmed) can file a written complaint before the magistrate. It must detail facts constituting defamation, such as imputations lowering the complainant's reputation. Cognisance of defamation can only be taken upon a complaint made by a person aggrieved by the offence, as stipulated in Section 199(1) of the CrPC. 2020 8 Supreme 487 2022 0 Supreme(Jhk) 737

Special cases allow proxies:- Minors under 18- Persons with mental illness- Women per local customs not appearing in public

These require court permission. 2020 8 Supreme 487

No FIRs are permitted; attempts to direct police under equivalent of CrPC Section 156(3) are invalid. 2020 8 Supreme 487 2022 0 Supreme(Jhk) 737

2. Magistrate's Examination (Section 223 BNSS)

Upon receiving the complaint, the magistrate examines the complainant and witnesses on oath. The Magistrate's process involves multiple stages, beginning with examining the complaint and witnesses on oath, as mandated by Section 223(1) of BNSS. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 70252 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 23361

The magistrate records their statements and assesses if a prima facie case exists—i.e., if the complaint discloses an imputation capable of lowering reputation. Furthermore, in offences pertaining to defamation, it is sufficient if the complaint discloses an imputation capable of lowering the complainant’s reputation in the estimation of others. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Del) 4114

3. Issuance of Notice and Hearing for Accused

A pivotal BNSS safeguard: Before taking cognisance, the magistrate must issue notice to the accused, providing an opportunity to be heard. Before taking cognisance, the Magistrate must issue notice to the accused named in the complaint, allowing them to be heard. This is a critical procedural step... Failure to do so... constitutes procedural violations under BNSS. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 23361 2024 Supreme(Online)(KER) 38686 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 32337

The proviso to Section 223(1) emphasizes this hearing, distinguishing it from initial cognisance under Section 226. Skipping this step risks quashing proceedings. 2025 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 70252

4. Taking Cognisance and Issuance of Process

Cognisance is a judicial act where the magistrate applies mind to allegations. Cognisance occurs when the Magistrate, after examining the complaint and witnesses, takes judicial notice of the offence with a view to initiating proceedings. 2025 0 Supreme(Telangana) 861 2024 0 Supreme(Kar) 167

If satisfied, process (summons) issues under equivalent of CrPC Section 204. For Sessions cases under BNSS equivalent of Section 199(2), trial follows warrant-case procedure sans police report. As per provision of Section 237, Code of Criminal Procedure, a Court of Sessions taking cognizance of an offence of defamation under Sub-section (2) of Section 199... shall try the case in accordance with the procedure, for the trial of warrant cases... 2010 0 Supreme(Gau) 748

5. Preliminary Inquiry if Needed

Magistrates may conduct further inquiry under Section 202 CrPC equivalent to verify grounds, preventing frivolous cases. 2021 0 Supreme(HP) 506 2022 0 Supreme(Jhk) 737

Important Considerations and Restrictions

• Non-Cognizable Nature: No police arrest without warrant; investigation only on magistrate order (equivalent Section 155). Criminal defamation is a non-cognizable offence under BNSS, meaning police cannot register FIRs directly; instead, the complaint must be filed before a Magistrate... 2025 0 Supreme(Telangana) 861 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 88

• Time Limits: For public officials, complaints within six months. 2020 8 Supreme 487

• Judicial Scrutiny: Magistrates must record reasons; mechanical orders invite quashing. The Magistrate must apply their mind to the facts and evidence presented in the complaint before issuing summons. 2021 0 Supreme(HP) 506 2021 0 Supreme(J&K) 359

• Post-July 1, 2024 Cases: New complaints follow BNSS fully; prior matters may transition per savings clauses. If saving provided under Section 531(2)(a) of BNSS, 2023, is restricted only to matters pending on or before 01.07.2024, then a FIR or complaint... to be proceeded following the procedure under BNSS, 2023. 2024 0 Supreme(Mad) 1852

Procedural lapses, like no notice or oath examination, invalidate cognisance. Proper procedure requires the Magistrate to examine the complainant and witnesses on oath, provide the accused with an opportunity of hearing, and record reasons... Any deviation... results in procedural irregularities... 2025 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 70252 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 1816 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 32337

Trial Procedure Post-Cognisance

Once accused appears, proceedings follow Chapter XIX Part B equivalent (complaint cases). Prosecution evidence first (Section 244 CrPC equiv.), then discharge possible if no case (Section 245). 2010 0 Supreme(Gau) 749 2010 0 Supreme(Gau) 748

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The BNSS procedure for defamation cognisance prioritizes aggrieved parties' rights while protecting accused through notices and inquiries. Core steps: written complaint → oath examination → accused hearing → judicial cognisance → process issuance. Adherence ensures robust proceedings; deviations risk dismissal.

Key Takeaways:- File detailed, evidence-backed complaints only as aggrieved person.- Expect magistrate's oath inquiry and mandatory accused notice.- No FIRs—magistrate route exclusively.- Time-bound for officials; non-cognizable limits police role.

For personalized guidance, engage a legal expert. Stay informed on BNSS transitions to navigate defamation effectively.

References:2020 8 Supreme 487 2022 0 Supreme(Jhk) 737 2021 0 Supreme(HP) 506 2021 0 Supreme(J&K) 359 2020 0 Supreme(Mad) 419 2025 Supreme(Online)(Del) 4114 2024 0 Supreme(Mad) 1852 2018 0 Supreme(Ker) 204 2010 0 Supreme(Gau) 749 2010 0 Supreme(Gau) 748 2025 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 70252 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 23361 2024 Supreme(Online)(KER) 38686 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 88 2025 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 32337 2025 0 Supreme(Telangana) 861 2024 0 Supreme(Kar) 167