Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Section 299
Statements of accused not to be used
Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, the statements or facts stated by an accused in an application for plea bargaining filed under section 290 shall not be used for any other purpose except for the purpose of this Chapter.
Why this exists
Plea bargaining requires the accused to be candid, admitting facts and circumstances that could otherwise be self-incriminating. Without this protection, no one would risk applying for plea bargaining for fear that their own admissions could later be used against them if the negotiation failed. This confidentiality rule encourages honest participation and protects the constitutional principle against self-incrimination.