Rihai Guide
Legal Terms Every Indian Family Should Know — A Glossary
Reviewed by the Rihai legal team· Last updated: 2026-08-19
The Indian legal system speaks in a private language. That's a large part of why families feel lost. Here is that language, translated. Learn these terms and half the fear disappears.
In a hurry? Know this first
- The CrPC no longer exists — since 1 July 2024 it is the BNSS 2023.
- IPC has been replaced by the BNS 2023 (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
- Under Article 21, no one can be deprived of liberty except by procedure established by law.
- You are entitled to a free copy of the FIR — no one can charge you for it.
- If the chargesheet is not filed in 60/90 days, default bail is your right.
The glossary
- FIR (First Information Report)
- The first document created when a cognizable offence is reported to police. Under Section 173 BNSS, police MUST register it if the information discloses a cognizable offence. You are entitled to a free copy.
- Cognizable vs Non-cognizable Offence
- Cognizable = police can arrest without a warrant (serious crimes). Non-cognizable = police need magistrate's permission (minor offences). Determines everything that follows.
- Remand
- Court's order sending the accused to police or judicial custody while investigation continues. Police custody max 15 days. Judicial custody up to 60 or 90 days depending on offence.
- Chargesheet
- Final police report filed under Section 193 BNSS after investigation, naming the accused and charges. If not filed within 60/90 days, the accused gets default bail under Section 187(3) BNSS.
- Surety
- A person who signs a bond guaranteeing the accused will appear in court. Money is only forfeited if the accused absconds. Usually a family member with verifiable ID.
- Bailable vs Non-bailable
- Not related to whether bail is possible — every offence is bailable in some form. This refers to whether bail is a matter of right (bailable) or court discretion (non-bailable).
- BNSS 2023
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita — the new criminal procedure code that replaced the CrPC on 1 July 2024. Governs arrest, investigation, bail, trial procedure.
- BNS 2023
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — the new penal code that replaced the IPC. Defines what is a crime and its punishment. Old IPC sections have new BNS section numbers.
- Article 21
- Constitutional right to life and personal liberty. The bedrock of bail jurisprudence in India — no person can be deprived of liberty except by procedure established by law.
- Default Bail
- Automatic bail granted if the chargesheet is not filed within the statutory period (60 or 90 days). A powerful protection under Section 187(3) BNSS.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
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