Section 400 of BNSS : Section 400: Order to pay costs in non-cognizable cases.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi files a complaint in a local court against his neighbor, Suresh, for defamation, which is a non-cognizable offense. After a thorough trial, the court finds Suresh guilty of defamation. In addition to imposing a fine of ₹10,000 on Suresh, the court orders him to pay ₹5,000 to Ravi to cover the costs Ravi incurred during the prosecution, including advocate's fees and witness expenses. The court also states that if Suresh fails to pay this amount, he will have to undergo simple imprisonment for 15 days.

Example 2:

Priya files a complaint against her colleague, Anil, for public nuisance, a non-cognizable offense, in the District Court. The court convicts Anil and imposes a penalty of ₹2,000. Additionally, the court orders Anil to pay ₹1,500 to Priya to cover her legal expenses, including process fees and advocate's fees. The court further orders that if Anil does not pay this amount within the stipulated time, he will face simple imprisonment for 10 days. Anil appeals the decision in the High Court, which upholds the lower court's order and reiterates the payment of costs to Priya.