Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Chapter XXV: Evidence in Inquiries and Trials · A.—Mode of taking and recording evidence
Section 314: Interpretation of evidence to accused or his advocate
In plain words
Evidence given in a language the accused does not understand must be interpreted to them in open court. If they appear by an advocate who does not understand the language, it is interpreted to the advocate. For documents put in for formal proof, the court interprets as much as needed.
A simplified explanation, prepared with AI assistance from the official text below and checked automatically against it for numbers and cross-references. The official text is the law and prevails over this summary. Not legal advice.
Official text
(1) Whenever any evidence is given in a language not understood by the accused, and he is present in Court in person, it shall be interpreted to him in open Court in a language understood by him.
(2) If he appears by an advocate and the evidence is given in a language other than the language of the Court, and not understood by the advocate, it shall be interpreted to such advocate in that language.
(3) When documents are put for the purpose of formal proof, it shall be in the discretion of the Court to interpret as much thereof as appears necessary.
Corresponding sections were matched by comparing the wording of both official texts, and for the IPC and BNS, also against a published correspondence table. Wording, punishments and structure often changed, so read both sections before relying on the match.
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 12 September 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.
Supreme Court judgments citing the section 314
No Supreme Court judgment in our database cites this section yet.