Introduction to Section 490 BNSS
Section 490 BNSS deals with the provision of deposit instead of recognizance in bail matters. It allows courts or authorized officers to permit an accused to deposit a sum of money or government promissory notes instead of executing a bond or bail bond. This alternative option ensures flexibility in bail procedures, especially for those who cannot arrange sureties but are able to make a monetary deposit.
- Introduction to Section 490 BNSS
- What is BNSS Section 490 ?
- BNSS Section of 490 in Simple Points
- 490 BNSS Overview
- BNSS Section 490 – Deposit Instead of Recognizance
- 1. Concept of Deposit Instead of Recognizance
- 2. Court or Officer’s Discretion
- 3. Exclusion of Good Behaviour Bonds
- 4. Simplified Bail for Accused Individuals
- 5. Government Promissory Notes as Security
- 6. Judicial Safeguards Against Misuse
- 7. Balancing Financial Assurance and Legal Compliance
- 8. Promoting Efficiency in Legal Processes
- 9. Flexibility in Bail Conditions
- 10. Importance of BNSS Section 490
- BNSS Section 490 – Deposit Instead of Recognizance
- BNSS Section 490 Short Information
- Why BNSS 490 is Needed ?
- BNSS Section 490 FAQs
- If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
What is BNSS Section 490 ?
BNSS Section 490 allows an accused to deposit money or government promissory notes instead of executing a bail bond or recognizance. This option simplifies bail by providing a financial alternative for those unable to produce sureties. However, it does not apply in cases involving bonds for good behaviour. It ensures flexibility in the bail process while maintaining court control.

BNSS Section of 490 in Simple Points
1. Provision for Deposit Instead of Recognizance
BNSS 490 introduces an alternative to traditional bail bonds by allowing monetary deposits or government promissory notes in lieu of executing a bond. This provision is especially beneficial for individuals who cannot secure personal sureties but are financially capable of making a deposit. The deposited amount acts as a financial guarantee for their compliance with bail conditions. It is determined by the court or officer based on case specifics. This approach enhances flexibility in bail procedures while still holding the accused accountable through financial security.
2. Judicial Discretion in Allowing Deposits
The application of BNSS 490 rests on the discretion of the court or authorized officer. Before permitting a deposit, the court considers factors such as the nature of the offence, the accused’s risk profile, and their ability to comply with conditions. This safeguard ensures that deposits are not misused in serious cases where sureties are essential. The discretion also allows courts to set reasonable amounts, balancing accessibility with adequate legal security for bail enforcement.
3. Exclusion of Good Behaviour Bonds
BNSS 490 explicitly states that this provision is not applicable in cases involving bonds for good behaviour. This is because behavioural bonds focus on ensuring proper conduct, which cannot be replaced with financial deposits. For such cases, personal recognizance or sureties remain mandatory. This exclusion ensures that while bail can be financially secured, certain legal obligations tied to character and conduct remain independent of monetary guarantees.
4. Benefits for Accused Without Sureties
This section is particularly helpful for individuals who lack social support or reliable sureties but can afford to deposit money or government-backed instruments. It removes delays caused by verification of sureties and ensures faster bail processing. By providing an accessible alternative, BNSS 490 makes the bail system more inclusive while reducing the dependency on third-party sureties. This efficiency benefits both accused individuals and the judiciary by streamlining bail-related proceedings.
5. Security and Legal Assurance Through Deposits
Deposits or government promissory notes under BNSS 490 serve as legal and financial guarantees for the accused’s compliance. If bail conditions are violated, the deposit can be forfeited, creating a strong incentive for the accused to follow court directions. Additionally, the use of government-backed instruments ensures safety and authenticity of the security provided. This provision thus balances financial assurance with procedural simplicity, making it a practical option for bail enforcement.
490 BNSS Overview
The key aim of BNSS 490 is to make the bail process simpler and more accessible while maintaining legal safeguards. By offering an alternative to recognizance or surety bonds, this provision helps reduce delays in securing bail. However, it excludes bonds for good behaviour, where financial deposits cannot substitute behavioural commitments. It ensures courts retain discretion and control over bail enforcement while providing convenience to genuine applicants.
BNSS Section 490 – Deposit Instead of Recognizance
1. Concept of Deposit Instead of Recognizance
BNSS Section 490 introduces the provision allowing an accused to deposit money or government promissory notes instead of executing a bond or bail bond. This offers a monetary alternative to the traditional surety-based bail process. It simplifies bail for individuals who may not have access to reliable sureties but can afford to deposit a fixed sum determined by the court or officer. This provision enhances flexibility in securing bail while ensuring accountability.
2. Court or Officer’s Discretion
Under this section, it is entirely at the discretion of the court or officer to permit such a deposit in place of a recognizance or bail bond. The court evaluates the facts of each case, the nature of the offence, and the accused’s circumstances before approving this option. The fixed deposit amount must be reasonable and proportionate, preventing undue burden while still serving as a financial guarantee for compliance with court directions.
3. Exclusion of Good Behaviour Bonds
BNSS 490 specifically excludes cases involving a bond for good behaviour from this alternative. In such cases, personal conduct is central, and financial deposits cannot substitute for behavioural assurances. This distinction ensures that while monetary deposits work for attendance or appearance-based bonds, behavioural bonds demand separate recognition of character, reinforcing the seriousness of good conduct requirements in certain legal situations.
4. Simplified Bail for Accused Individuals
This provision simplifies bail by offering a straightforward deposit mechanism, especially for accused individuals who lack access to sureties or face delays in arranging bonds. Instead of struggling to meet surety requirements, they can deposit money or promissory notes. This ensures a faster release from custody while maintaining a financial incentive for compliance. It bridges gaps in access to bail and supports efficiency in legal proceedings.
5. Government Promissory Notes as Security
BNSS 490 allows Government promissory notes as an acceptable alternative to cash deposits. This accommodates individuals who may hold such instruments rather than liquid funds, providing them a legitimate avenue to secure bail. Accepting these secure instruments also ensures that deposits are backed by a reliable government guarantee, further strengthening the trustworthiness of this bail alternative.
6. Judicial Safeguards Against Misuse
This section incorporates safeguards by entrusting the decision to courts and officers, ensuring it is used appropriately and only in suitable cases. Courts assess factors such as the accused’s risk profile, offence gravity, and prior conduct before granting this option. These safeguards prevent misuse by high-risk offenders and maintain the integrity of bail proceedings while accommodating genuine applicants.
7. Balancing Financial Assurance and Legal Compliance
The provision strikes a balance between financial assurance and legal compliance. The deposited amount acts as a deterrent against absconding, as non-compliance could lead to forfeiture of the deposit. It keeps the accused financially tied to their bail conditions while reducing dependency on third-party sureties. This structure strengthens accountability and reinforces discipline in the bail system.
8. Promoting Efficiency in Legal Processes
BNSS 490 helps in speeding up bail approvals and reducing administrative hurdles tied to surety verification. By allowing direct deposits, it removes delays caused by the validation of sureties or background checks. This efficiency benefits both courts and accused individuals, reducing case backlogs and simplifying procedural aspects of bail compliance.
9. Flexibility in Bail Conditions
This provision adds flexibility to bail practices under BNSS by offering an alternate method for securing liberty. It benefits those capable of monetary deposits but unable to arrange personal sureties. This flexible approach ensures broader accessibility to bail while still preserving court control over compliance measures. It represents a modernized and pragmatic step in bail management under the BNSS framework.
10. Importance of BNSS Section 490
BNSS 490 is important because it broadens bail options while safeguarding judicial interests. It promotes fairness by providing an alternative to surety bonds, especially for individuals facing social or logistical challenges in producing sureties. By incorporating deposits and government-backed instruments, it blends financial security with procedural convenience, making bail more accessible and efficient without compromising the legal framework or trial integrity.
Example 1:
Amit is granted bail but cannot arrange sureties. Under BNSS 490, the court allows him to deposit ₹50,000 as security instead of executing a surety bond. This ensures his release while maintaining a financial guarantee for his compliance.
Example 2:
Meena, accused in a minor offence, offers government promissory notes instead of a bond. The Magistrate accepts her deposit under BNSS 490 and releases her on bail, ensuring an efficient process without delays in surety verification.
BNSS Section 490 Short Information
Key Point | Details |
---|---|
Monetary Deposit | Courts may allow cash deposits instead of recognizance or surety bonds. |
Government Notes | Government promissory notes accepted as secure financial guarantees. |
Exclusion Clause | Not applicable for bonds requiring good behaviour commitments. |
Judicial Discretion | Courts decide eligibility and deposit amount based on case specifics. |
Faster Bail Process | Reduces delays by eliminating the need for surety verification. |
Why BNSS 490 is Needed ?
BNSS 490 is needed to modernize and simplify bail procedures, especially for those who cannot find personal sureties. It reduces dependency on social networks, speeds up bail approval, and provides a secure alternative through monetary deposits. By including judicial discretion and excluding cases like good behaviour bonds, it balances flexibility with legal safeguards. This provision ensures that bail remains accessible, fair, and efficient without compromising accountability or public safety.
BNSS Section 490 FAQs
Process to be taken when a bond is forfeited
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