Explanation:

Let’s break down the options about when Chapter XXIA “Plea Bargaining” (sections 265A to 265L) of the CrPC actually came into effect:

- Option 1: 5th July, 2006

This date is mentioned frequently in some online resources, but it’s not the correct one. The chapter wasn’t enforced on this day.

- Option 2: 16th April, 2006

Not the day when these provisions started operating. It’s not relevant to Plea Bargaining under CrPC.

- Option 3: 23rd June, 2005

This is the date when the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2005 was enacted. But the key question is about the commencement—not when the Act was passed.

- Option 4: 23rd June, 2006

Here’s the thing: This is the actual date when Chapter XXIA on Plea Bargaining came into force in India, as notified by the government. Section by section, this is the date the chapter took effect.

So the correct answer is:

Option 4: 23rd June, 2006