Section 7 – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita(BNSS) – Territorial Divisions

Apni Law

BNSS Code: Section 7(1)-(4)

This section of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaces the CrPC, deals with the administrative structure of the judicial system.

Code:

7. (1) Every State shall be a sessions division or shall consist of sessions divisions; and every sessions divisions shall, for the purposes of this Sanhita, be a district or consist of districts.
(2) The State Government may, after consultation with the High Court, alter the limits or the number of such divisions and districts.
(3) The State Government may, after consultation with the High Court, divide any district into sub-divisions and may alter the limits or the number of such sub-divisions.
(4) The sessions divisions, districts and sub-divisions existing in a State at the commencement of this Sanhita, shall be deemed to have been formed under this section.

Explanation:

Section 7(1)-(4) establishes the hierarchy of judicial areas within a state:

Sessions Division: The largest unit, a state can be either a single sessions division or divided into multiple sessions divisions.
District: Each sessions division is further divided into one or more districts, which are the primary units for administrative and judicial purposes.
Sub-division: Districts can be further sub-divided into smaller administrative units called sub-divisions.

Illustration:

Imagine a state like Uttar Pradesh. It could be divided into several sessions divisions, each of which would comprise multiple districts. Then, within each district, there might be further sub-divisions for easier administration.

Common Questions & Answers:

Q: Who has the power to create or alter these divisions and districts?
A: The State Government, after consultation with the High Court, has the authority to make changes to the limits or number of these judicial areas.

Also Read Section 98 - Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita(BNSS) - Power To Declare Certain Publications Forfeited And To Issue Search-Warrants For Same.

Q: What happens to existing divisions and districts?
A: Section 7(4) states that any existing divisions, districts, and sub-divisions at the time the BNSS comes into effect will be deemed to be formed under this section.