CrPC Section 1-5 vs BNSS Section 1-5

The preliminary provisions of CrPC and BNSS are structurally similar but the definitional additions in BNSS Section 2 signal the entire philosophical shift of the new code. Three new definitions stand out. First, 'victim' (Section 2(y)) — by defining victims, the BNSS gives them a legal identity throughout the proceedings, enabling victim participation in bail hearings, victim compensation orders, and the right to be heard at sentencing. Second, 'audio-video electronic means' (Section 2(a)) — this definition appears over 40 times in the BNSS, enabling digital service of summons, digital recording of evidence, video-conferencing for witnesses, and remote court proceedings. Third, 'forensic expert' (Section 2(h)) — the BNSS's mandatory forensic investigation requirement for offences punishable with 7+ years (Section 176(3)) needed this definitional anchor. The removal of J&K's exclusion is also significant — the BNSS applies uniformly across India without the geographical limitation of the CrPC.