How long does a judge have to deliver judgment under BNSS?

BNSS Section 392: normally 30 days after arguments conclude; extendable to 60 days with written reasons; absolute maximum 90 days with exceptional written reasons. Beyond 90 days, must record reasons and subject to supervisory oversight.

What happens if judge does not deliver judgment in 45 days?

Must record written reasons for delay. Parties can approach High Court for supervisory direction. No automatic voidance of trial, but judicial accountability significantly enhanced.

Section 392 — Judgment Within 30/45 Days — Mandatory Timeline for Judgment Delivery | Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita | LawCodeHub

Section 392(1): Judgment shall be pronounced as soon as practicable and in any case within thirty days from completion of arguments; and where not practicable within thirty days, for reasons to be recorded, within a further period of thirty days; in exceptional cases beyond sixty days but not exceeding ninety days from completion of arguments. Section 392(2): Where judgment is not pronounced within the specified period, the Judge shall record reasons for delay.

Explanation

BNSS Section 392 addresses one of the most persistent justice delays — indefinitely reserved judgments. Under CrPC, there was no judgment delivery timeline after arguments — courts routinely reserved judgments for months or years. BNSS Section 392 creates: 30-day standard (write judgment within a month of hearing all arguments); 60-day extended (with written reasons for delay); 90-day absolute maximum with exceptional written reasons. After 90 days, written reasons continue to be required, and supervisory courts can intervene. If enforced, this is potentially the most impactful BNSS reform for criminal trial speed — affecting parties in custody, victims awaiting outcomes, and the general administration of justice.

Judgment Within 30/45 Days — Mandatory Timeline for Judgment Delivery

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