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Introduction to Section 28 BNSS

Section 28 BNSS of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 talks about the withdrawal of powers that were earlier given to an officer or individual by a legal authority. This section helps maintain discipline, responsibility, and fairness in the justice system. If a person misuses the legal powers given to them or does not work properly, the authority can take back those powers. It ensures that powers are given only to trustworthy and deserving officials.



What is BNSS Section 28 ?

BNSS Section 28 gives legal authority to the High Court, State Government, and Magistrates to take back powers they had previously granted to a person or officer. If an officer is misusing power or is no longer fit to hold such responsibility, the authority that gave the power can also withdraw it, either fully or partially. This helps maintain discipline, accountability, and lawful conduct in the judicial system.


Court withdrawing legal powers from an officer under BNSS Section 28
Illustration showing how powers can be taken back under BNSS Section 28

BNSS Section of 28 in Simple Points

1. Authority of the High Court and State Government to Withdraw Powers

The High Court and the State Government have the legal authority to withdraw any or all powers that they have earlier granted to any person under BNSS. This ensures that power remains under control and is not misused by any individual or officer. These powers can be related to investigation, arrest, search, or other judicial or administrative roles. The High Court and State Government are responsible for maintaining law and order and discipline in the legal system. If any officer is found acting beyond the limits of their powers or misusing their authority, these higher authorities can immediately cancel their powers. This mechanism helps ensure that powers are granted only to those who use them lawfully and responsibly.

2. Complete or Partial Withdrawal Based on Situation

The withdrawal of powers under Section 28 can be either complete or partial. This means authorities can take back all powers or just a few specific powers depending on the officer’s behaviour, performance, or the situation. For example, if an officer is handling four types of legal powers, and is misusing only one, the High Court may cancel only that particular power and allow him to continue with the rest. This flexibility helps maintain efficiency in administration while ensuring discipline and accountability. The provision is useful when immediate corrective steps are required without causing disruption to the other lawful functions being performed by the officer.

3. Magistrates Can Also Withdraw Powers They Granted

BNSS Section 28 also empowers Chief Judicial Magistrates and District Magistrates to withdraw any powers they themselves had granted to individuals. If they find that the person is not following proper legal procedure or is misusing their authority, they do not need to wait for the State Government or High Court. They can act independently and immediately withdraw those powers. This ensures quick action at the local level, making the judicial system more responsive. It also shows that not only higher-level authorities but also local judicial officers are trusted with power control responsibilities.

4. No Obligation to Give a Reason for Withdrawal

The law under Section 28 does not make it compulsory for the authorities to give a written reason when withdrawing the powers. This gives the system flexibility to act quickly, especially in emergency situations where providing reasons could delay necessary action. However, in actual practice, many authorities still choose to record the reason in writing for transparency, accountability, and in case the matter is later challenged in court. This optional approach strikes a balance between urgency and fairness and ensures that the public interest remains protected.

The power of withdrawing previously granted powers acts as a disciplinary tool to keep the legal system clean and responsible. If any person in a legal position starts abusing their role or acting outside their jurisdiction, the fear of losing powers keeps them careful and accountable. This provision is necessary to protect public trust and to make sure that law is enforced by honest and responsible officers only. It also ensures that power is not permanent or misused but is only held so long as the person remains fit to exercise it.


Section 28 of BNSS Overview

BNSS Section 28 allows the High Court, State Government, Chief Judicial Magistrate, or District Magistrate to withdraw powers that were earlier given to any officer or person. These powers can be fully or partly removed, depending on the situation.

10 Detailed Key Points of BNSS Section 28

The High Court and the State Government can legally cancel or withdraw the powers they have granted under BNSS. This allows them to act quickly if they notice misuse or unlawful behaviour by an officer. It ensures that power is always under control and used correctly. The system does not allow any officer to act unchecked. Power can be taken back any time, ensuring transparency. This helps keep the legal system clean and responsible. Only honest and law-abiding officers should hold judicial powers. BNSS ensures this through power withdrawal provisions.

2. Partial or Full Cancellation of Powers

The powers can be withdrawn partially or fully based on the situation. For example, if an officer was given five different powers and misuses only one, that specific power can be withdrawn without affecting the other four. This makes the system more balanced. It avoids unnecessary punishment and ensures only misused powers are taken back. Such flexibility helps maintain administrative efficiency. The goal is to correct errors, not to disrupt the system. So, targeted withdrawal helps in better legal control.

3. Power to Magistrates to Revoke Delegated Powers

The Chief Judicial Magistrate and District Magistrate can also .take back any powers they had granted to other officers. This ensures that even at the local level, power misuse can be controlled. They don’t need to wait for higher authorities to act. This gives them autonomy and control over law enforcement in their area. It improves response time and reduces dependency on higher levels. This also promotes responsibility and careful action when giving such powers. Local authority control is very important in judicial functioning.

4. Swift Action Without Court Delay

BNSS 28 allows for quick action without needing court approval or delay. This helps prevent further misuse of power. In emergency or sensitive situations, this can help stop further harm. If court approval was always needed, it could waste time. So, the law supports speed and efficiency. Immediate withdrawal ensures that justice is served faster. Authorities can stop wrong actions right at the source. This protects the dignity and fairness of the judicial system.

5. No Mandatory Reason Needed for Withdrawal

The law does not require the authority to provide a detailed explanation when withdrawing powers. This gives flexibility to act without being questioned unnecessarily. While reasons may be recorded internally for documentation, they are not legally required to be disclosed. This is especially helpful in sensitive cases. However, in practice, many authorities do keep a written record for transparency. This balance helps in fair and fast action. It prevents delay while still maintaining some internal checks.

6. Ensures Responsibility in Using Powers

Knowing that powers can be withdrawn any time makes officers more careful and responsible. They are likely to follow the law strictly. If an officer knows misuse may lead to cancellation of powers, they will not take risks. This builds fear of consequences and promotes discipline. Responsible use of authority is the backbone of a good legal system. BNSS 28 plays a major role in ensuring this by introducing accountability. It protects the public from corrupt or careless officials.

7. Prevention of Misuse in Sensitive Roles

Many officers deal with sensitive tasks like arrests, searches, or seizures. Misuse in these roles can harm people badly. BNSS Section 28 gives the legal system a tool to stop such misuse immediately. Officers who act beyond their limits can lose their authority quickly. This helps prevent injustice and protects citizens’ rights. The law acts as a safety shield. The power to withdraw stops harm before it gets worse. It’s like a brake on bad governance.

8. Flexible for Different Situations

The law under BNSS 28 is not rigid. Authorities can adapt based on the case. Whether the issue is big or small, appropriate action can be taken. If an officer made a small mistake, only a minor power may be withdrawn. If the mistake is big, all powers can be removed. This flexibility keeps the legal system fair and practical. It doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. The aim is always to maintain fairness and justice. Custom solutions work best in law enforcement.

When people see that officers are being monitored and punished for misuse, public trust increases. Citizens feel safe when they know wrongful actions have consequences. BNSS Section 28 supports this by making sure no officer becomes too powerful without checks. It shows that law is above all. The power to withdraw powers builds a positive image of the system. It proves that corruption will not be tolerated. Trust is the foundation of any justice system.

10. Supports Hierarchical Discipline

In any organized legal system, hierarchy matters. Powers flow from top to bottom. BNSS 28 ensures that if the top finds a problem, it can correct it by removing power from lower levels. This keeps everyone in check. It maintains order in the chain of command. Officers follow rules because they know seniors are watching. This avoids chaos and promotes legal discipline. It helps build a smooth and law-abiding justice system.

Examples of BNSS Section 28

Example 1:

An officer is given powers to investigate economic offences under BNSS. Later, he is found misusing his authority for personal gain. The State Government decides to withdraw his powers immediately under Section 28 to stop further misuse.

Example 2:

A District Magistrate gave a person power to inspect illegal construction. The person fails to follow proper legal procedures. The Magistrate then withdraws only the inspection-related powers, allowing the person to continue with other duties.


Section 28 of BNSS Short Information

BNSS Section 28TopicMeaning (in Simple Words)Who Can Withdraw?
28Withdrawal of PowersPowers given earlier can be cancelled or taken back at any time.High Court, State Government, Magistrates

BNSS Section 28 FAQs

BNSS 28

It allows authorities to take back the powers they had given to someone earlier under the BNSS.
The High Court, State Government, Chief Judicial Magistrate, or District Magistrate can withdraw the powers.
Yes, withdrawing power is not a punishment but a preventive or corrective step.
No specific limits are mentioned. Powers can be withdrawn partly or completely.
It helps maintain proper use of authority and ensures that only capable persons use legal powers.

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