BNSS Section 2 - Definitions.

(1) In this Sanhita, unless the context otherwise requires:

• (a) "audio-video electronic" means the use of any communication device for purposes such as video conferencing, recording of identification processes, search and seizure, evidence transmission, and other purposes as provided by State Government rules.
• (b) "bailable offence" means an offence categorized as bailable in the First Schedule or by any other law in force, while "non-bailable offence" refers to any other offence.
• (c) "charge" includes any head of charge when the charge contains multiple heads.
• (d) "cognizable offence" refers to an offence for which a police officer may arrest without a warrant as per the First Schedule or other applicable law.
• (e) "complaint" means an oral or written allegation to a Magistrate for action under this Sanhita, excluding police reports. Reports of non-cognizable offences by police officers shall be deemed complaints.
• (f) "electronic communication" refers to the transmission of information (written, verbal, pictorial, or video content) via electronic devices such as telephones, mobile phones, computers, or any other device specified by the Central Government.
• (g) "High Court" refers to:
  • (i) the High Court for a State;
  • (ii) the High Court extended to a Union Territory by law;
  • (iii) the highest court of criminal appeal in other Union Territories, excluding the Supreme Court of India.
• (h) "India" means the territories to which this Sanhita extends.
• (i) "inquiry" refers to any inquiry other than a trial conducted by a Magistrate or Court under this Sanhita.
• (j) "investigation" includes evidence collection processes conducted by police officers or authorized persons, excluding Magistrates.
• (k) "judicial proceeding" includes any proceeding where evidence may legally be taken on oath.
• (l) "local jurisdiction" defines the local area within which a Court or Magistrate exercises powers under this Sanhita.
• (m) "non-cognizable offence" refers to an offence where police officers cannot arrest without a warrant.
• (n) "notification" means a notification published in the Official Gazette.
• (o)"offence" includes acts or omissions punishable under any applicable law, including those under the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871.
• (p) "officer in charge of a police station" includes the next-ranking officer present during the absence of the officer in charge or when directed by the State Government.
• (q) "place" includes houses, buildings, tents, vehicles, and vessels.
• (r) "pleader" refers to advocates or authorized persons practicing in Court, including those appointed with Court permission.
• (s) "police report" refers to a report forwarded by a police officer to a Magistrate under Section 176(1).
• (t) "police station" refers to posts or places declared as such by the State Government.
• (u) "Public Prosecutor" means individuals appointed under Section 18, including those acting under their direction.
• (v) "sub-division" refers to a sub-division of a district.
• (w)"summons-case" pertains to cases not being warrant-cases.
• (x) "victim" means a person suffering loss or injury due to the act or omission of the accused, including guardians or legal heirs.
• (y) "warrant-case" pertains to offences punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment exceeding two years.

(2) Words and expressions not defined here but defined in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, carry the meanings assigned to them in those laws.