Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Section 496
Power to direct levy of amount due on certain recognizances
The High Court or Court of Session may direct any Magistrate to levy the amount due on a bond for appearance or attendance at such High Court or Court of Session.
Why this exists
Higher courts don't typically have the administrative machinery to chase down and recover small sums owed on broken bonds themselves. This provision lets them delegate the practical task of recovery to a Magistrate, who has the local infrastructure to collect the money efficiently. It mirrors section 450 of the earlier CrPC.