Preface
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, marks a monumental shift in India's criminal justice system, replacing the 163-year-old Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860. As India continues to modernize, it has become increasingly necessary to reform outdated legal frameworks to meet the demands of contemporary society. The BNS stands as a reflection of this change, incorporating the principles of justice, accountability, and protection for marginalized groups while emphasizing reformative and community-based justice over punitive measures in select cases.
In writing this book on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, my aim is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of this new legislation. The BNS introduces innovative legal provisions while consolidating, simplifying, and updating existing ones to create a more coherent and accessible system. The new law has reduced the number of sections from 511 to 358, but in doing so, it has improved clarity and functionality by grouping related offenses together, such as those concerning crimes against women and children or offenses against the human body.
The BNS, 2023, stands apart from the IPC by taking a more structured approach to addressing the complexities of modern crime, including cybercrimes, terrorism, organized crime, and new forms of violence such as mob lynching and deceitful relationships based on false promises. Furthermore, it has removed archaic offenses, such as sedition and adultery, reflecting the changing values and ideals of Indian society.
While much of the book will explore specific sections of the BNS in detail, it is essential to understand the philosophy behind these changes. The introduction of mandatory minimum punishments, increased fines, and new gender-neutral provisions shows a focus on creating accountability and protecting vulnerable groups. At the same time, the incorporation of community service as a punishment for petty offenses highlights a forward-thinking approach to justice—one that encourages reform rather than simply penalizing.
This book endeavors to present not only the legal text of the BNS, 2023 but also to provide interpretations, historical context, and practical insights into how this law will impact the criminal justice system in India. The BNS is more than just a replacement for the IPC—it is a step toward a more just, equitable, and modern legal system that aims to reflect the values of contemporary Indian society.
As you navigate through the chapters of this book, my hope is that you gain a deeper understanding of this landmark legislation and its potential to reshape how we think about justice in India.
Author's Note: This work is not merely an academic exploration but a reflection on the evolving landscape of Indian law. I hope that this book will serve as a resource for legal practitioners, students, and any reader who wishes to understand the BNS in all its dimensions.
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Overview of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, (BNS)
- The new Act is called as “Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023”, which has replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The word code has been replaced with Sanhita.
- The BNS has 358 sections spread over 20 chapters, while the old IPC had 511 sections across 26 chapters. The BNS has combined many scattered rules into single chapters. Definitions and punishments are now included in the same sections, which is why the numbering of sections and chapters has changed in the BNS.
- In the BNS, offences against women and children, as well as those related to the human body (like murder), are given special importance. All the rules about crimes against women and children, which were spread out in the old IPC, are now combined into one section in Chapter V. Similarly, rules about crimes affecting the human body are grouped together in Chapter VI.
- In the BNS, the rules for Attempt, Abetment, and Conspiracy are now all in one chapter (Chapter IV). In the old IPC, these were in separate chapters.
- The BNS includes 10 new sections and has added new rules to 8 existing sections. For example:
- Abetting a crime committed in India by someone outside the country is now covered under Section 48.
- Snatching is now a crime under Section 304.
- Mob lynching, organized crime, and petty organized crime are now separate offenses.
- Section 226 punishes people who try to commit suicide to force a public official to act or not act in their job.
- The BNS now includes strong measures against organized crime and terrorist acts. Section 111 addresses organized crime with strict penalties for crimes committed, attempted, abetted, or conspired, and for being a member of such groups or hiding individuals involved. Section 113 targets terrorist acts, following the UAPA framework, and includes penalties for terrorism-related activities and possessions. For cases involving terrorism, a Superintendent of Police (SP) will decide whether to apply BNS or UAPA provisions.
- Section 69 of the BNS introduces a new offense for engaging in sexual intercourse based on false promises, such as promises of marriage, employment, or promotion, or by hiding one's true identity. This section aims to prevent deceitful behavior used to gain consent from women for sex. It is designed to protect women's rights by targeting those who use dishonest means to exploit them.
- The BNS has removed 20 provisions from the IPC. Offenses such as Attempt to Commit Suicide (Section 309), Adultery (Section 497), and Sedition (Section 124-A) are no longer included as crimes under the new law.
- The BNS introduces a new provision, Section 117(3), which sets tougher penalties for severe injuries that lead to a victim being in a persistent vegetative state or having permanent disability. Under this section, such cases will now result in a minimum of ten years of rigorous imprisonment, potentially extending to life imprisonment, compared to the previous maximum of seven years under the IPC. This change aims to ensure that the punishment matches the severity of the injury.
- In the BNS, fines have been increased for 83 offenses. Previously, fines of Rs. 10, Rs. 100, and Rs. 500 have been raised to Rs. 1,000, Rs. 5,000, and Rs. 10,000, respectively, to make the penalties more impactful.
- The BNS now requires mandatory minimum punishments for 23 offenses, including buying a child for prostitution, organized crime, terrorist acts, harming a public servant, impersonating a public servant, and theft. This change ensures that these crimes carry a minimum level of punishment to deter offenders.
- For the first time, the BNS introduces "Community Service" as a punishment for six petty offenses. This reform aims to achieve justice in society by focusing on reformative measures. The offenses eligible for community service are:
- Public servants unlawfully engaging in trade (Section 202).
- Failure to appear after a court proclamation (Section 209).
- Attempting to commit suicide to force or restrain a public servant (Section 226).
- Petty theft, provided the stolen money is returned and it's a first-time offense (Section 302).
- Public misconduct by a drunken person (Section 355).
- Defamation (Section 356).
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- Some offenses have been made gender-neutral in the BNS. For example:
- Section 76: Assault or criminal force used with the intent to disrobe or force someone to be naked will now be punished with imprisonment for 3 to 7 years and a fine. This applies to anyone, not just women.
- Section 77 (Voyeurism): It is now a crime to watch or capture images of someone in a private situation where they expect not to be seen, or to share such images. For a first offense, the punishment is imprisonment for 1 to 3 years and a fine. For a second or subsequent offense, the punishment increases to 3 to 7 years of imprisonment and a fine.
- Section 141: Importing a girl under 21 or a boy under 18 into India with the intent that they may be forced or seduced into illegal sexual activities is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine. This section aims to protect minor boys and young women from sexual exploitation.
- For gang rape of a woman, Section 70(1) prescribes a punishment of at least 20 years in prison or life imprisonment, which means for the rest of the offender's natural life.
- For gang rape of a girl under 18 years old, Section 70(2) prescribes imprisonment for life (for the rest of the offender's natural life) and a fine, or even the death penalty.
- Section 2(3) of the BNS now defines "Child" clearly. Additionally, Section 2(10) includes transgender individuals in the definition of "Gender," covering both male and female. The term "child" has been standardized throughout the BNS, replacing older terms like "minor" and "child under the age of eighteen years."
- Replacing night with after sun set and before sunrise.
- Movable property includes tangible as well as intangible property. [Sec 2 (21)]
- Section 303 (2) of the BNS, 2023 illustrates a balanced approach to punishment. For a second theft conviction, it mandates a harsher sentence of up to 5 years, with a minimum of 1 year in prison. However, if the stolen property is worth less than 5,000 rupees and the offender returns it on their first offense, they may be sentenced to community service instead of imprisonment.
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Corresponding Section Table of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, (BNS) to Indian Penal Code (IPC) Comparison
The Indian Penal Code, 1860, (IPC) Sections/Subsections | Subject | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, (BNS) Sections/Subsections | Comparison |
| 1 | Short title, commencement and application. | 1(1) | In the BNS, the subject is addressed through six subsections of Section 1, whereas the IPC covered it in five separate sections, each with distinct headings. The IPC also specified the extent of its application, which is not included in the BNS. |
| New | Commencement | 1(2) | Subsection 1(2) of the BNS gives the Central Government the authority to set the date when the law will start. This power was not granted in the IPC. |
| 2 | Punishment of offences committed within India. | 1(3) | The only change is that "Code" in the IPC has been replaced with "Sanhita" in the BNS. This change is consistent throughout, so it will not be specifically noted in the table from now on. |
| 3 | Punishment of offences committed beyond, which by law may be tried within, India | 1(4) | This section is now part of a larger section in BNS without a specific heading. The term “Indian laws” has been changed to simply “law,” and the phrase “for the time being in force in India” has been added to clarify that it refers to the current laws in India. |
| 4 | Short title, commencement and application- Extension of Code to extra-territorial offences. | 1(5) | This section is now a part of BNS without its own heading. In the example given, "Uganda" has been changed to "any place outside India." |
| 5 | Short title, commencement and application-“Certain laws not to be affected by this Act”. | 1(6) | The IPC section is now part of a larger section in BNS and doesn’t have its own heading. |
| Definitions | 2 | In the IPC, definitions aren’t all in one place but are spread out from Section 8 to Section 52A in Chapter II, “General Explanations.” To make things easier, these definitions have been organized and put together in one section, Section-2. They are listed in alphabetical order and numbered to help you find them more easily. | |
| 33 | “act”. | 2(1) | In the IPC, Section 33 covered both "Act" and "Omission" together. In the BNS, however, "act" and "omission" are defined separately. "Act" is defined in sub-section 2(1), and "omission" is defined in sub-section 2(25). |
| 47 | “animal” | 2(2) | No change to this provision. |
| New | “child” | 2(3) | Defining a child clearly in BNS 2023 helps make things uniform and clear throughout the Sanhita. This ensures everyone has the same understanding of who qualifies as a child. |
| 28 | “Counterfeit” | 2(4) | No change to this provision. |
| 20 | “Court” | 2(5) | In Section 2(5) of BNS, the example has been removed, and the term "Court" is used instead of "Court of Justice." |
| 46 | “Death” | 2(6) | No change to this provision |
| 24 | “Dishonestly” | 2(7) | The phrases "whoever does" and "is said to do that thing dishonestly" have been removed. |
| 29 & 29A | “Document” | 2(8) | The phrase “and includes electronic and digital record” has been added. BNS Section 2(8) now combines the content of IPC Sections 29 and 29A and includes digital records. |
| 25 | Fraudulently | 2(9) | The wording has been changed, but the overall meaning remains the same. |
| 8 | Gender | 2(10) | Including the term "Transgender" in gender definitions in the new act can have important legal and policy effects. It can lead to more inclusive anti-discrimination measures and gender-neutral laws. "Transgender" is defined the same way as in Section 2(k) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. |
| 52 | Good faith | 2(11) | No change to this provision |
| 17 | Government | 2(12) | The phrase "Government of a State" has been changed to "State Government." |
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| 52A | Harbour | 2(13) | The words "Except in section 157 and in section 130, in the case in which the harbour is given by the wife or husband of the person harboured, the word" have been removed. |
| 44 | Injury | 2(14) | The word “denotes” has been replaced with “means.” |
| 43 | Illegal and legally bound to do | 2(15) | No change to this provision |
| 19 | Judge | 2(16) | The definition of "Judge" has been simplified, and the paragraphs are now numbered (i) and (ii). Out of four examples, only example (b) is kept, while examples (a), (c), and (d) are removed. |
| 45 | Life | 2(17) | The word “denotes” has been replaced with “means.” |
| 42 | Local Law | 2(18) | No change to this provision |
| 10 | Man | 2(19) | The word "denotes" has been changed to "means." Unlike IPC Section 10, where "man" and "woman" are treated together, BNS separates them into two different subsections: 2(19) for "man" and 2(35) for "woman." |
| 49 | Month and year | 2(20) | The term “British calendar” has been replaced with “Gregorian calendar.” |
| 22 | Movable property | 2(21) | Removing the word “corporeal” has expanded the scope. |
| 9 | Number | 2(22) | No change to this provision |
| 51 | Oath | 2(23) | “Court of Justice” has been changed to “Court.” |
| 40 | Offence | 2(24) | The word “denotes” has been replaced with “means.” |
| 33 | Omission | 2(25) | The terms “Act” and “Omission” are now separated into two different subsections: 2(1) for “Act” and 2(25) for “Omission.” |
| 11 | Person | 2(26) | No change to this provision |
| 12 | Public | 2(27) | No change to this provision |
| 21 | Public Servant | 2(28) | The terms “Military” and “Naval” have been replaced with “Army” and “Navy,” respectively. The term “Juryman” has been removed. |
| 26 | Reason to Believe | 2(29) | No change to this provision |
| 41 | Special Law | 2(30) | The word “is” has been replaced by “means.” |
| 30 | Valuable security | 2(31) | The word “denotes” has been replaced with “means.” |
| 48 | Vessel | 2(32) | The word “denotes” has been replaced with “means.” |
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| 39 | Voluntary | 2(33) | No change to this provision |
| 31 | Will | 2(34) | The phrase “a will” has been replaced with “Will.” |
| 10 | Woman | 2(35) | In the IPC, the definitions of "man" and "woman" are both included in one section. In the BNS, however, they are handled separately, with "man" defined in section 2(19) and "woman" defined in section 2(35). |
| 23 Clause-1 | Wrongful loss | 2(36) | The word “is” has been replaced by “means.” |
| 23 Clause-2 | Gaining wrongfully, losing wrongfully | 2(37) | No change to this provision |
| 23 Clause-3 | Words and expressions used but not defined | 2(38) | No change to this provision |
| 29A | Words and expressions used but not defined. | 2(39) | The scope of Section 29A of the IPC has been expanded. For terms used in BNS that aren’t defined in BNS but are defined in the IT Act, 2000 or the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), they will have the meanings given in those Acts. Section 2(39) in BNS brings together definitions from the IT Act, 2000, which helps make the statute clearer and reduces confusion about terms that aren't defined in BNS. |
| 6 | General explanations. | 3(1) | The section is now included as a sub-section in BNS and does not have its own heading. |
| 7 | General explanations- Sense of expression once explained. | 3(2) | The section has been added as a sub-section in BNS and does not have a separate heading. |
| 27 | General explanations- Property in possession of wife, clerk or servant | 3(3) | The section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a separate heading. The term “Wife” has been replaced with “Spouse.” |
| 32 | General explanations-"Words referring to acts include illegal omissions" | 3(4) | The section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
| 34 | General explanations- Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. | 3(5) | The section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. There are no other changes. |
| 35 | General explanations- When such an act is criminal by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention | 3(6) | The section has been added as a sub-section in BNS and does not have a separate heading. |
| 36 | General explanations- Effect caused partly by act and partly by omission. | 3(7) | The section has been added as a sub-section in BNS and does not have a separate heading. |
| 37 | General explanations- Co-operation by doing one of several acts constituting an offence. | 3(8) | The section has been added as a sub-section in BNS and does not have a separate heading. |
| 38 | General explanations- Persons concerned in Criminal act may be guilty of different offences. | 3(9) | The section has been added as a sub-section in BNS and does not have a separate heading. |
| 53 | Punishments. | 4 | "Community service" has been introduced as a type of punishment in BNS for certain minor offenses. Although BNS does not provide a definition, Section 23 of the BNSS describes it as court-ordered work that benefits the community and is unpaid. |
| 54 & 55 | Commutation of sentence. | 5 | This section includes a cross-reference to BNSS, while the IPC does not make a reference to the CrPC in this context. |
| 55A | Commutation of sentence. | Explanation to section 5 | The heading has been removed because the IPC section is now provided as an explanation in BNS. Additionally, the phrase “for the purposes of this” has been added. |
| 57 | Fractions of terms of punishment | 6 | The words “unless otherwise provided” have been added. |
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| 60 | Sentence may be (in certain cases of imprisonment) wholly or partly rigorous or simple | 7 | No change to this provision |
| 63 | Amount of fine, liability in default of payment of fine, etc. | 8(1) | The IPC section is now included as a sub-section in BNS, with the heading updated to include the words "liability in default of payment of fine, etc." |
| 64 | Sentence of imprisonment for nonpayment of fine. | 8(2) | The IPC section is included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
| 65 | Limit to imprisonment for nonpayment of fine, when imprisonment and fine awardable. | 8(3) | The section has been added as a sub-section in BNS and does not have a separate heading. |
| 66 | Description of imprisonment for nonpayment of fine. | 8(4) | The IPC section is included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The phrase “or in default of community service” has been added. |
| 67 | Imprisonment for non-payment of fine, when offence punishable with fine only. | 8(5) | The IPC section is included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The words “or in default of community service” have been added, and the penalties for imprisonment and fines have been increased. |
| 68 & 69 | Imprisonment to terminate on payment of fine. Termination of imprisonment on payment of proportional part of fine. | 8(6) | The heading has been removed because two IPC sections have been merged into this single sub-section of BNS. |
| 70 | Fine leviable within six years, or during imprisonment. Death not to discharge property from liability | 8(7) | The section is included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
| 71 | Limit of punishment of offence made up of several offences. | 9 | No change to this provision |
| 72 | Punishment of a person guilty of one of several offences, the judgment stating that it is doubtful of which. | 10 | No change to this provision |
| 73 | Solitary confinement. | 11 | The phrase “that is to say” has been replaced with “namely.” |
| 74 | Limit of solitary confinement | 12 | No change to this provision |
| 75 | Enhanced punishment for certain offences after previous conviction. | 13 | No changes were made except that the corresponding chapter numbers mentioned in the heading have been removed in BNS. |
| 76 | Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law. | 14 | No change to this provision |
| 77 | Act of Judge when acting judicially. | 15 | No change to this provision |
| 78 | Act done pursuant to the judgment or order of Court. | 16 | The words “Court of Justice” have been replaced with “Court.” |
| 79 | Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself justified, by law. | 17 | No change to this provision |
| 80 | Accident in doing a lawful act. | 18 | No change to this provision |
| 81 | Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harm. | 19 | The word “steam” has been removed from the illustration. |
| 82 | Act of a child under seven years of age. | 20 | No change to this provision |
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| 83 | Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding. | 21 | No change to this provision |
| 84 | Act of a person of unsound mind. | 22 | No change to this provision |
| 85 | Act of a person incapable of judgment by reason of intoxication caused against his will | 23 | No change to this provision |
| 86 | Offence requiring a particular intent or knowledge committed by one who is intoxicated. | 24 | No change to this provision |
| 87 | Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent. | 25 | No change to this provision |
| 88 | Act not intended to cause death, done by consent in good faith for a person's benefit. | 26 | No change to this provision |
| 89 | Act done in good faith for the benefit of a child or person, by or by consent of guardian. | 27 | The words “insane person” have been replaced with “person of unsound mind.” |
| 90 | Consent known to be given under fear or misconception. | 28 | No change to this provision |
| 91 | Exclusion of acts which are offences independently of harm caused. | 29 | No change to this provision |
| 92 | Act done in good faith for the benefit of a person without consent. | 30 | No change to this provision |
| 93 | Communication made in good faith. | 31 | No change to this provision |
| 94 | Act to which a person is compelled by threats. | 32 | No change to this provision |
| 95 | Act causing slight harm. | 33 | No change to this provision |
| 96 | Things done in private defence. | 34 | No change to this provision |
| 97 | Right of private defence of body and of property. | 35 | The paragraphs have been rephrased and organized as clauses (a), (b), and (c). |
| 98 | Right of private defence against the act of a person of unsound mind, etc | 36 | In the illustrations, the words “under the influence of madness” have been replaced with “a person of unsound mind.” |
| 99 | Act against which there is no right to private defence Extent to which the right may be exercised. | 37 | The IPC section has been restructured into two sub-sections. The first paragraph is now rephrased as sub-section 1, which includes clauses (a), (b), and (c). The second paragraph is reproduced as sub-section 2 without a heading. |
| 100 | When the right of private defence of property extends to causing death. | 38 | The terms “First,” “Secondly,” “Thirdly,” “Fourthly,” “Fifthly,” “Sixthly,” and “Seventhly” have been replaced with (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g). |
| 101 | When such a right extends to causing any harm other than death. | 39 | No change to this provision |
| 102 | Commencement and continuance of the right of private defence of the body. | 40 | No change to this provision |
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| 103 | When the right of private defence of property extends to causing death. | 41 | The words “by night” have been replaced with “after sunset and before sunrise,” and “Mischief by fire” has been replaced with “Mischief by fire or any explosive substance.” |
| 104 | When such a right extends to causing any harm other than death. | 42 | No change to this provision |
| 105 | Commencement and continuance of the right of private defence of property | 43 | The words “by night” have been replaced with “after sunset and before sunrise.” |
| 106 | Right of private defence against deadly assault when there is risk of harm to innocent person | 44 | No change to this provision |
| 107 | Abetment of a thing. | 45 | The words “Court of justice” have been replaced with “Court.” |
| 108 | Abettor. | 46 | The word “lunatic” has been replaced with “a person of unsound mind.” |
| 108A | Abetment in India of offences outside India | 47 | The word “Goa” has been replaced with “country X” in the illustration. |
| Abetment outside India for offence in India. | 48 | "A person abets an offence under this Sanhita if they, while outside India, encourage or help someone to commit an act in India that would be considered an offence if done within India." | |
| 109 | Punishment of abetment if act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment | 49 | No change to this provision |
| 110 | Punishment of abetment if a person abetted does act with different intention from that of abettor. | 50 | No change to this provision |
| 111 | Liability of abettor when one act abetted and different act done | 51 | No change to this provision |
| 112 | Abettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act done. | 52 | The phrase “the last preceding section” has been replaced with “section 51.” |
| 113 | Liability of abettor for an effect caused by the act abetted differently from that intended by the abettor. | 53 | No change to this provision |
| 114 | Abettor present when offence committed. | 54 | No change to this provision |
| 115 | Abetment of offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life. | 55 | No change to this provision |
| 116 | Abetment of offence punishable with imprisonment. | 56 | The words “if offense be not committed” have been removed from the heading. The heading of paragraph 2, “If abettor or person abetted be a public servant whose duty it is to prevent offense,” has also been excluded. Additionally, the word “by” has been replaced with “under.” |
| 117 | Abetting commission of offense by the public or by more than ten persons. | 57 | Imprisonment has been increased from three years to seven years. The punishment for abetting an offense committed by the public or more than 10 people has been raised to up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine. |
| 118 | Concealing design to commit offense punishable with death or imprisonment for life | 58 | The words “in either case” have been removed from clause (b). |
| 119 | Public servant concealing design to commit offense which it is his duty to prevent. | 59 | No change to this provision |
| 120 | Concealing design to commit offense punishable with imprisonment. | 60 | No change to this provision |
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| 120A | Criminal conspiracy definition | 61(1) | The IPC section is now included as a sub-section in BNS. |
| 120B | Criminal conspiracy punishment. | 61(2) | The IPC section is now included as a sub-section in BNS. |
| 511 | Punishment for attempting to commit offenses punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment. | 62 | No change to this provision |
| 375 | Rape definition | 63 | In BNS, the age of consent has been increased from 15 years to 18 years. Exception 2 of Section 63 specifies that “sexual intercourse or acts by a man with his wife, provided the wife is not under 18 years of age, is not considered rape.” |
| 376(1) & 376(2) | Punishment for rape. | 64 | The word “military” has been replaced with “army.” |
| 376(3) | Punishment for rape in certain casesrape on a woman under sixteen years. | 65(1) | No change to this provision |
| 376AB | Punishment for rape in certain casesrape on a woman under twelve years | 65(2) | The section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
| 376A | Punishment for causing death or resulting in a persistent vegetative state of the victim. | 66 | No change to this provision |
| 376B | Sexual intercourse by husband upon his wife during separation. | 67 | No change to this provision |
| 376C | Sexual intercourse by a person in authority. | 68 | No change to this provision |
| Sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means etc. | 69 | By increasing the punishment from three years (under IPC) to up to seven years, the penalty for abetting an offence committed by the public or by more than ten people has been made more stringent. "Anyone who, through deceitful means or by making a promise to marry a woman without intending to fulfill it, has sexual intercourse with her—provided the intercourse does not constitute rape—shall be punished with imprisonment for up to ten years and may also be fined. Explanation: 'Deceitful means' includes misleading someone with false promises of employment, promotion, or marriage while concealing one's true identity." | |
| 376D | Gang rape. | 70(1) | The new BNS law eliminates age-based distinctions in gang rape cases involving minors. It mandates life imprisonment (for the remainder of the convict's natural life) or a fine, and in cases of gang raping a girl under 18, it includes the possibility of the death penalty. |
| 376DB | Gang rape on women under the age of eighteen. | 70(2) | In IPC Section 376DB, the age of the victim is 12 years, and the punishment is the death penalty. In BNS Section 70(2), the age of the victim is under 18 years, and the punishment is also the death penalty. This section is included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
| 376E | Punishment for repeat offenders | 71 | No change to this provision |
| 228A (1)/(2) | Disclosure of identity of victim of certain offences etc. | 72 | The word "minor" has been replaced with "child." |
| 228A (3) | Printing or publishing any matter relating to court proceedings without permission. | 73 | The sub-section of the IPC is treated as an individual section in BNS, complete with its own heading. |
| 354 | Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty | 74 | No change to this provision |
| 354A | Sexual harassment. | 75 | No change to this provision |
| 354B | Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent disrobe | 76 | In BNS 2023, the offence of assault or using criminal force with the intent to disrobe someone has been made gender neutral. The law now applies equally to both men and women, whether as victims or perpetrators of this offence. |
| 354C | Voyeurism. | 77 | Under Section 77 of BNS, the offence of voyeurism has been made gender neutral. The law now applies equally to both men and women, whether as victims or perpetrators. This shift towards gender neutrality ensures that the legal provisions cover a wider range of situations, recognizing that both genders can be affected by or involved in such crimes. |
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| 354D | Stalking. | 78 | No change to this provision |
| 509 | Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman. | 79 | No change to this provision |
| 304B | Dowry death. | 80 | No change to this provision |
| 493 | Cohabitation caused by man deceitfully inducing belief of lawful marriage. | 81 | No change to this provision |
| 494 | Marrying again during the lifetime of the husband or wife. | 82(1) | The IPC section has been included as a sub-section. Section 82(1) is now a Non-Cognizable offence. This provision is streamlined from section 494 of IPC. |
| 495 | Marrying again during the lifetime of the husband or wife with concealment of former marriage from the person with whom subsequent marriage is contracted. | 82(2) | Section 82(2) has streamlined Section 495 of the IPC, resulting in fewer sections in BNS compared to the IPC. |
| 496 | Marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage. | 83 | No change to this provision |
| 498 | Enticing or taking away or detaining with criminal intent a married Woman | 84 | The words “from that man or from any person having the care of her on behalf of that man” have been excluded. |
| 498A | Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty | 85 | No change to this provision |
| Explanation of 498A | Cruelty defined. | 86 | IPC Section 498A has been divided into Sections 85 and 86 in BNS. The explanation previously found in IPC has been included in Section 86 of BNS under the heading "Cruelty defined." |
| 366 | Kidnapping or abducting in order to murder or for ransom, etc. | 87 | No change to this provision |
| 312 | Causing miscarriage. | 88 | No change to this provision |
| 313 | Causing miscarriage without a woman's consent. | 89 | Instead of the words “defined in the last preceding section,” the previous section number is mentioned in BNS. |
| 314 | Death caused by an act done with intent to cause miscarriage. | 90 | The heading of paragraph 2, “if act done without woman’s consent,” has been excluded. The words "Where the act referred to in sub-section (1)” have been added. |
| 315 | Act done with intent to prevent a child being born alive or to cause it to die after birth. | 91 | No change to this provision |
| 316 | Causing death of a quick unborn child by act amounting to culpable homicide. | 92 | No change to this provision |
| 317 | Exposure and abandonment of a child under twelve years, by a parent or person having care of it. | 93 | No change to this provision |
| 318 | Concealment of birth by secret disposal of the dead body. | 94 | No change to this provision |
| Hiring, employing or engaging a child to commit an offence. | 95 | "Anyone who hires, employs, or engages a child to commit an offence will face imprisonment of at least three years, up to ten years, and a fine. If the offence is committed, the person will also receive the same punishment as if they had committed the offence themselves. Explanation: This section also includes hiring, employing, engaging, or using a child for sexual exploitation or pornography." | |
| 366A | Procuration of a child. | 96 | The phrase “minor girl under the age of eighteen years” has been replaced with the term “child,” making it gender neutral. |
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| 369 | Kidnapping or abducting a child under ten years with intent to steal from its person. | 97 | No change to this provision |
| 372 | Selling minor for purposes of prostitution, etc. | 98 | “minor” is replaced by “child” in heading and words “any person under the age of eighteen years” are replaced by the word "child'. |
| 373 | Buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc. | 99 | In BNS, the minimum mandatory punishment has been set at seven years, and the maximum imprisonment has been extended to fourteen years, compared to ten years in the IPC. Additionally, the phrase “any person under the age of eighteen years” has been replaced with the term “child.” |
| 299 | Culpable homicide | 100 | No change to this provision |
| 300 | Murder | 101 | The text has been updated for clarity and organization. Instead of using terms like "Secondly," "Thirdly," and "Fourthly" to list points, it now uses labels (a), (b), (c), and (d). Additionally, where the word "it" was previously used, it has been replaced with the more specific phrase "the act by which death is caused." This makes the text easier to follow and more precise. |
| 301 | Culpable homicide by causing death of person other than person whose death was intended | 102 | No change to this provision |
| 302 | Punishment for murder | 103(1) | The only change is that the IPC section is now included as a subsection in the BNS. Everything else remains the same. |
| Punishment for murder | 103(2) | Section 103(2) of the BNS Act now covers incidents similar to mob lynching. While it doesn’t specifically mention "mob lynching," it says that if a group of five or more people commits murder based on factors like race, caste, community, sex, place of birth, language, personal belief, or other similar reasons, each person in the group can be punished with death, life imprisonment, or a minimum of seven years in prison, along with a fine. | |
| 303 | Punishment for murder by life convict. | 104 | The BNS Act offers two possible punishments for a murderer who is already serving a life sentence: death or imprisonment for the rest of their natural life. In contrast, the IPC only allows for the death penalty in such cases. |
| 304 | Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. | 105 | The new rules now require a minimum imprisonment of five years and make a fine mandatory. |
| 304A | Causing death by negligence. | 106(1) | The BNS Act now includes an IPC section as a new subsection. It also increases the imprisonment term and adds details about offenses committed by registered medical practitioners, along with explanations for these changes. |
| New | Causing death by negligence. | 106(2) | The punishment for causing death through reckless or negligent actions, which was previously two years under Section 304A of the IPC, has now been increased to five years. This change makes the penalty more severe. Additionally, Section 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, targets hit-and-run cases by making it a crime to cause death through reckless or negligent driving and then leave the scene without reporting it. The penalty for such offenses can be up to ten years in prison and a fine. This new rule is intended to hold drivers accountable, encourage safer driving, and ensure there are legal consequences for hit-and-run incidents. |
| 305 | Abetment of suicide of child or person of unsound mind. | 107 | The term "insane person" has been replaced with "person of unsound mind," but the meaning remains the same. |
| 306 | Abetment of suicide. | 108 | No change to this provision |
| 307 | Attempt to murder | 109 | The BNS 2023 Act brings reforms by changing the punishment for a life convict who attempts murder. Previously, under Section 307(2) of the IPC, the only penalty was death. However, BNS Section 109 now allows for either death or imprisonment for the rest of the convict’s natural life. This change ensures strict penalties for serious crimes like attempted murder, while also offering a more humane option of life imprisonment depending on the case's circumstances. |
| 308 | Attempt to commit culpable homicide. | 110 | No change to this provision |
| New | Organized crime. | 111 | A new section has been added defining what constitutes organized crime. It includes any ongoing illegal activities such as kidnapping, robbery, vehicle theft, extortion, land grabbing, contract killing, economic crimes, cybercrimes, drug trafficking, weapon trafficking, human trafficking for prostitution or ransom, and more. This applies whether done by an individual or a group, either as part of an organized crime syndicate or on its behalf, using violence, threats, intimidation, coercion, or other illegal methods to gain material or financial benefits. |
| New | Petty organized crime | 112 | A new section has been added defining "petty organized crime." It covers acts like theft, snatching, cheating, unauthorized ticket sales, illegal betting or gambling, selling public exam question papers, or other similar crimes committed by someone who is part of a group or gang, either alone or with others. |
| New | Terrorist act. | 113 | A new section has been added. |
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| 319 | Hurt | 114 | No change to this provision |
| 321 | Voluntarily causing hurt | 115(1) | No changes have been made except for the inclusion of an IPC section as a new subsection in the BNS. |
| 323 | Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt. | 115(2) | A section has been added as a subsection in the BNS without a heading. The fine has also been increased and may now extend to ten thousand rupees. |
| 320 | Grievous hurt definition | 116 | The minimum period of suffering required for an injury to be classified as grievous hurt has been reduced from twenty days to fifteen days. |
| 322 | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt punishment. | 117(1) | No change to this provision |
| 325 | Punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt. | 117(2) | Formal changes have been made, but the essence remains the same. |
| New | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt. | 117(3) | A new provision has been added stating that if someone commits an offense under sub-section (1) and causes harm that results in permanent disability or a persistent vegetative state, they will face rigorous imprisonment for at least ten years. This punishment can extend to life imprisonment, meaning imprisonment for the rest of the person's natural life. |
| New | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt. | 117(4) | A new addition states that if a group of five or more people acts together to cause grievous hurt to someone based on their race, caste, community, sex, place of birth, language, personal belief, or similar reasons, each member of the group will be guilty of causing grievous hurt. They will face imprisonment for up to seven years and may also be required to pay a fine. |
| 324 | Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means. | 118(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS. The fine has been increased to a maximum of twenty thousand rupees, and the term “grievous hurt” has been added to the heading. |
| 326 | Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means. | 118(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. Additionally, a mandatory minimum imprisonment of one year has been introduced. |
| 327 | Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act | 119(1) | There are no changes except that the IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS. |
| 329 | Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act. | 119(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. Additionally, the phrase "any purpose referred to in sub-section (1)" has been added. |
| 330 | Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to extort confession or to compel restoration of property. | 120(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS. |
| 331 | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property. | 120(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The phrase “any purpose referred to in sub-section (1)” has been added. |
| 332 | Voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty. | 121(1) | An IPC section has been included as a subsection in the BNS. The imprisonment term has been increased from three years to five years. |
| 333 | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter a public servant from his duty. | 121(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. A mandatory minimum imprisonment of one year has been added. |
| 334 | Voluntarily causing provocation hurt on. | 122(1) | An IPC section has been included as a subsection in the BNS. The fine has been increased from five hundred to five thousand rupees. |
| 335 | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt on provocation. | 122(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The imprisonment term has been increased from four years to five years, and the fine has been raised from two thousand to ten thousand rupees. |
| 328 | Causing harm by means of poison etc with intent to commit an offence. | 123 | No change to this provision |
| 326A | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid etc. | 124(1) | The IPC section has been included as a subsection in the BNS. The phrase “causes a person to be in a permanent vegetative state” has been added to Section 124(1) of the BNS. |
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| 326B | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by throwing or attempting to throw acid. | 124(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The phrase “permanent vegetative state” has been added. |
| 336 | Act endangering life or personal safety of others | 125 | The fine has been increased from two hundred and fifty rupees to two thousand five hundred rupees. |
| 337 | Where hurt is caused | 125(a) | The fine has been increased from five hundred rupees to five thousand rupees. |
| 338 | Where grievous hurt is caused. | 125(b) | Imprisonment has been increased from two years to three years, and the fine has been raised from one thousand rupees to ten thousand rupees. |
| 339 | Wrongful restraint. | 126(1) | An IPC section has been included as a subsection in the BNS. |
| 341 | Punishment for Wrongful restraint. | 126(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The fine has been increased from five hundred rupees to five thousand rupees. |
| 340 | Wrongful confinement. | 127(1) | An IPC section has been included as a subsection in the BNS. |
| 342 | Punishment for Wrongful confinement | 127(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The fine has been increased from one thousand rupees to five thousand rupees. |
| 343 | Wrongful confinement for three or more days. | 127(3) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The imprisonment term has been increased from two years to three years, and the fine has been extended up to ten thousand rupees. |
| 344 | Wrongful confinement for ten or more days. | 127(4) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The imprisonment term has been increased from three to five years, and a minimum fine of ten thousand rupees is now stipulated. |
| 345 | Wrongful confinement of person for whose liberation writ has been issued | 127(5) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. A fine has also been added. |
| 346 | Wrongful confinement in secret | 127(6) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The imprisonment term has been increased from two to three years, and a fine has been added. |
| 347 | Wrongful confinement to extort property, or constrain to illegal act | 127(7) | There are no changes except that the IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS. |
| 348 | Wrongful confinement to extort confession, or compel restoration of property. | 127(8) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. No other changes have been made. |
| 349 | Force. | 128 | There is a change in phraseology: "first," "secondly," and "thirdly" have been replaced with (a), (b), and (c). |
| 350 | Criminal force. | 129 | No change to this provision |
| 351 | Assault. | 130 | No change to this provision |
| 352 | Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation. | 131 | The fine has been increased from five hundred to one thousand rupees. |
| 353 | Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty. | 132 | No change to this provision |
| 355 | Assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person, otherwise than on grave provocation | 133 | No change to this provision |
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| 356 | Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person | 134 | No change to this provision |
| 357 | Assault or criminal force in attempt to wrongfully confine a person. | 135 | The fine has been increased from one thousand rupees to five thousand rupees. |
| 358 | Assault or criminal force on grave provocation | 136 | The fine has been increased from 200 to 1,000 rupees. |
| 359 | Kidnapping | 137(1) | The IPC section has now been incorporated as a sub-section within the BNS. |
| 360 | Kidnapping from India. | 137(1)(a) | No change to this provision |
| 361 | Kidnapping from lawful guardianship | 137(1)(b) | The IPC section is now a clause in the BNS. The phrase “minor under the age of sixteen years if male or under eighteen years if female” has been replaced with “child,” making the language gender-neutral. |
| 363 | Punishment for kidnapping | 137(2) | IPC section is included as a sub-section in BNS sans heading. |
| 362 | Abduction | 138 | No change to this provision |
| 363A | Kidnapping or maiming a child for purposes of begging. | 139 | The term “minor” has been replaced with “child.” The word “rigorous” has been added, and imprisonment has been extended to life, meaning imprisonment for the rest of the individual’s natural life. Additionally, clause (b) of sub-section (4) has been removed from the definition. |
| 364 | Kidnapping or abducting in order to murder, etc | 140(1) | No changes were made except that the IPC section is now included as a sub-section in the BNS. |
| 364A | Kidnapping for ransom, etc. | 140(2) | The section is included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. |
| 365 | Kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person. | 140(3) | No change to this provision |
| 367 | Kidnapping or abducting in order to subject person to grievous hurt, slavery, etc. | 140(4) | No change to this provision |
| 366B | Importation of girl or boy from foreign country. | 141 | The phrase “any boy under the age of eighteen years” has been added, and “she” has been replaced with “girl or boy.” |
| 368 | Wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement, kidnapped or abducted person. | 142 | No change to this provision |
| 370 | Trafficking of person | 143 | The term “minor” has been replaced with “child.” |
| 370A | Exploitation of a trafficked person | 144 | The maximum imprisonment period has been increased from seven years to ten years, and for sub-section (2), from five years to seven years. Additionally, “minor” has been replaced with “child.” |
| 371 | Habitual dealing in slaves. | 145 | No change to this provision |
| 374 | Unlawful compulsory labour. | 146 | No change to this provision |
| 121 | Waging, or attempting to wage war. or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India. | 147 | No change to this provision |
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| 121A | Conspiracy to commit offences punishable by Section 147. | 148 | The phrase “and beyond” has been added. |
| 122 | Collecting arms, etc., with intention of waging war against the Government of India. | 149 | No change to this provision |
| 123 | Concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war | 150 | No change to this provision |
| 124 | Assaulting President, Governor, etc., with intent to compel or restrain the exercise of any lawful power. | 151 | No change to this provision |
| New | Act endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. | 152 | A new section has been added: "Anyone who, intentionally or knowingly, uses words (spoken or written), signs, visible representations, electronic communications, financial means, or any other method to incite or attempt to incite secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities, or separatist feelings, or to endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life or imprisonment for up to seven years, and may also be subject to a fine." |
| 125 | Waging war against Government of any Foreign State at peace with Government of India | 153 | The phrase “any Asiatic power in alliance” has been replaced with “Government of any foreign State at peace.” |
| 126 | Committing depredation on territories of Foreign State at peace with Government of India. | 154 | The phrase “any power in alliance” has been replaced with “any foreign State.” |
| 127 | Receiving property taken by war or depredation mentioned in Sections 153 and 154. | 155 | No change to this provision |
| 128 | Public servant voluntarily allowing prisoner of State or war to escape. | 156 | No change to this provision |
| 129 | Public servant negligently suffering such prisoner to escape. | 157 | No change to this provision |
| 130 | Aiding escape of, rescuing or harbouring such prisoner. | 158 | No change to this provision |
| 131 | Abetting mutiny, attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty. | 159 | No change to this provision |
| 132 | Abetment of mutiny, if mutiny is committed in consequence thereof. | 160 | The maximum imprisonment term has been increased from three years to ten years. |
| 133 | Abetment of assault by soldier, sailor or airman on his superior officer, when in execution of his office. | 161 | No change to this provision |
| 134 | Abetment of such assault, if the assault is committed. | 162 | No change to this provision |
| 135 | Abetment of desertion of soldier, sailor or airman | 163 | No change to this provision |
| 136 | Harbouring deserter. | 164 | The term “wife” in the exception of this section has been replaced with “spouse,” making it gender-neutral. |
| 137 | Deserter concealed on board, of master merchant vessel through negligence | 165 | The maximum fine has been increased from five hundred to three thousand rupees. |
| 138 | Abetment of act of insubordination by soldier, sailor or airman. | 166 | The maximum imprisonment term has been increased from six months to two years. |
| 139 | Persons subject to certain Acts. | 167 | No change to this provision |
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| 140 | Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman. | 168 | The term “Military” has been replaced with “Army,” and the maximum fine has been increased from five hundred to two thousand rupees. |
| 171A | Candidate, electoral right defined | 169 | No change to this provision |
| 171B | Bribery | 170 | No change to this provision |
| 171C | Undue influence at elections | 171 | No change to this provision |
| 171D | Personation at elections. | 172 | No change to this provision |
| 171E | Punishment for Bribery | 173 | No change to this provision |
| 171F | Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election. | 174 | No change to this provision |
| 171G | False statement in connection with an election. | 175 | No change to this provision |
| 171H | Illegal payment in connection with an election. | 176 | The maximum fine has been increased from five hundred to ten thousand rupees. |
| 171 I | Failure to keep election accounts. | 177 | The maximum fine has been increased from five hundred to five thousand rupees. |
| 230 to 232, 246 to 249, 255, 489A | Counterfeiting coin, Government stamps, currency- notes or banknotes. | 178 | This single section of the BNS encompasses nine sections of the IPC, effectively reducing the number of sections and offenses by eight. Illustrations provided under Section 230 of the IPC have been excluded. |
| 237 to 241, 250, 251, 254, 258, 260, 489B | Using as genuine, forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-notes or bank-notes. | 179 | This single section of the BNS covers eleven sections of the IPC, thereby reducing the number of sections and offenses by ten in one go. |
| 242, 243, 252, 253, 259, 489C | Possession of forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency notes or bank-note | 180 | This single section of the BNS covers six sections of the IPC, reducing the number of sections and offenses by five. Additionally, the phrase "not constitute an offence" has been added. |
| 233 / 234 / 235 / 256 / 257 / 489D | Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting coin, govt stamps, currency notes or bank notes. | 181 | This single section of the BNS encompasses six sections of the IPC, reducing the number of sections and offenses by five. Additionally, the phrase “any coin, stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue” has been added. |
| 489E | Making or using documents resembling currency-notes or banknotes | 182 | The maximum fine has been increased from one hundred to three hundred rupees and from two hundred to six hundred rupees. |
| 261 | Effacing, writing from substance bearing Government stamp, removing from document a stamp used for it, with intent to cause loss to Government. | 183 | No change to this provision |
| 262 | Using Government stamp known to have been before used. | 184 | No change to this provision |
| 263 | Erasure of mark denoting that stamp has been used. | 185 | No change to this provision |
| 263A | Prohibition of fictitious stamps | 186 | The phrase “and also in any part of Her Majesty’s dominions” has been excluded. |
| 244 | Person employed in mint causing coin to be of different weight or composition from that fixed by law. | 187 | No change to this provision |
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| 245 | Unlawfully taking coining instrument from mint | 188 | No change to this provision |
| 141 | Unlawful assembly. | 189(1) | The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" have been replaced with (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e). |
| 142 | Unlawful assembly- Being member of unlawful assembly. | 189(2) | The section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. No other changes have been made. |
| 145 | Unlawful assembly- Joining or continuing in unlawful assembly, knowing it has been commanded to disperse | 189(3) | No change to this provision |
| 144 | Unlawful assembly- Joining unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapon.— | 189(4) | No change to this provision |
| 151 | Unlawful assembly- Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse.— | 189(5) | No change to this provision |
| 150 | Unlawful assembly- Hiring, or conniving at hiring, of persons to join unlawful assembly. | 189(6) | No change to this provision |
| 157 | Unlawful assembly- Harbouring persons hired for an unlawful assembly | 189(7) | No change to this provision |
| 158 | Unlawful assembly- Being hired to take part in an unlawful assembly or riot. Or to go armed | 189(8)/(9) | Both paragraphs of IPC Section 158 are reproduced in two separate sub-sections (8) and (9) of Section 189 BNS, without headings. |
| 149 | Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object. | 190 | No change to this provision |
| 146 | Rioting-Offence defined. | 191(1) | This IPC section, which defines the offense, is included in the BNS as a sub-section. |
| 147 | Rioting- Punishment for rioting. | 191(2) | The IPC section is included as a sub-section in the BNS, without a heading. |
| 148 | Rioting- Being armed with deadly weapon.— | 191(3) | The IPC section is included as a sub-section in the BNS, without a heading. Additionally, the maximum imprisonment term has been increased from three years to five years. |
| 153 | Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot if rioting be committed if not committed. | 192 | No change to this provision |
| 154 | Liability of owner, occupier, etc., of land on which an unlawful assembly or riot takes place | 193(1) | The section is included as a sub-section in the BNS. The heading has been modified to include the words “Liability of” and “or riot.” |
| 155 | Liability of person for whose benefit riot is committed. | 193(2) | The section is included as a sub-section in the BNS, without a heading. |
| 156 | Liability of agent of owner or occupier for whose benefit riot is committed. | 193(3) | No change to this provision |
| 159 | Affray- defined | 194(1) | The IPC section is included as a sub-section in the BNS. |
| 160 | Punishment for Affray. | 194(2) | The section is included as a sub-section in the BNS, without a heading. Additionally, the maximum fine has been increased from one hundred to one thousand rupees. |
| 152 | Assaulting or obstructing public servant when suppressing riot, etc. | 195(1) | Section 152 of the IPC, which deals with 'assaulting or obstructing public servants while suppressing riots, etc.,' has been divided into two parts and incorporated into Section 195 of the new law (BNS). One part addresses the offense of assaulting public servants, while the other covers threatening to assault or attempting to obstruct, each with distinct punishments and fines. The minimum fine has been set at twenty-five thousand rupees, and the phrase ‘or uses criminal force on any public servant’ has been added. |
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| 152 | Assaulting or obstructing public servant when suppressing riot, etc. | 195(2) | In cases where the offender threatens to assault or attempts to obstruct a public servant, or threatens or attempts to use criminal force on a public servant in the specified situations, the punishment includes imprisonment for up to one year. A fine may also be imposed under this sub-section. This represents a rare instance of reduced punishment. |
| 153A | Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony. | 196 | The phrase “or through electronic communication” has been added as one of the modes of spreading disharmony, etc. |
| 1523B | Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration | 197 | The phrase “or through electronic communication” has been added as a mode of spreading the specified activities. |
| New | Makes or publishes false or misleading information, jeopardising the sovereignty, unity and integrity or security of India. | 197(1)(d) | New Clause 197(1)(d) addresses the act of "making or publishing false or misleading information that jeopardizes the sovereignty, unity, integrity, or security of India." |
| 166 | Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person. | 198 | No change to this provision |
| 166A | Public servant disobeying direction under law. | 199 | No change to this provision |
| 166B | Punishment for non-treatment of victim. | 200 | No change to this provision |
| 167 | Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injury | 201 | No change to this provision |
| 168 | Public servant unlawfully engaging in trade. | 202 | A new penalty in the form of "community service" has been introduced. |
| 169 | Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property | 203 | No change to this provision |
| 170 | Personating a public servant | 204 | A mandatory minimum imprisonment term of six months has been established, and the maximum sentence has been raised from two years to three years. |
| 171 | Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent | 205 | The maximum fine has been raised from two hundred rupees to five thousand rupees. |
| 172 | Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding. | 206 | The maximum fine has been increased from five hundred to five thousand rupees and from one thousand to ten thousand rupees. Additionally, the term 'Court of Justice' has been replaced with 'Court,' among other changes. |
| 173 | Preventing service of summons or other proceeding, or preventing publication thereof. | 207 | No change to this provision |
| 174 | Non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant. | 208 | No change to this provision |
| 174A | Non-appearance in response to a proclamation under section 84 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 | 209 | A new penalty involving "community service" has been introduced for proclamations under section 84(1) BNSS [82(1) CrPC]. |
| 175 | Omission to produce document or electronic record to public servant by person, legally bound to produce it | 210 | The maximum fine has been raised from five hundred to five thousand rupees and from one thousand to ten thousand rupees. The phrase "or if" has been changed to "where," and "Court of Justice" has been replaced with "Court." |
| 176 | Omission to give notice or information to public servant by person legally bound to give it | 211 | The maximum fine limits have been raised from five hundred to five thousand rupees and from one thousand to ten thousand rupees. |
| 177 | Refusing oath or affirmation when duly required by public servant to make it | 212 | The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand to five thousand rupees. In illustration (b), the phrase "Bound under clause 5, section VII, Regulation III, 1821, of the Bengal Code" has been replaced with "legally bound." |
| 178 | Refusing oath or affirmation when duly required by public servant to make it. | 213 | The maximum fine has been increased from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
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| 179 | Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question. | 214 | No change to this provision |
| 180 | Refusing to sign statement. | 215 | |
| 181 | False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorised to administer an oath or affirmation | 216 | No change to this provision |
| 182 | False information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person. | 217 | The maximum imprisonment term has been extended from six months to one year, and the fine has been raised from one thousand to ten thousand rupees. |
| 183 | Resistance to the taking of property by the lawful authority of a public servant | 218 | The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand to ten thousand rupees. |
| 184 | Obstructing sale of property offered by authority of public servant for sale | 219 | The maximum fine has been raised from five hundred to five thousand rupees. |
| 185 | Illegal purchase or bid for property offered for sale by authority of public servant. | 220 | No change to this provision |
| 186 | Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions. | 221 | The maximum fine has been increased from five hundred to two thousand five hundred rupees. |
| 187 | Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance. | 222 | The section has been reorganized into clauses (a) and (b) without altering its core meaning. Additionally, the maximum fine has been raised from two hundred to two thousand five hundred rupees and from five hundred to five thousand rupees. |
| 188 | Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant. | 223 | The section has been reorganized into clauses (a) and (b). In clause (a), the maximum imprisonment has been increased from one month to six months, and the fine has been raised from two hundred to two thousand five hundred rupees. In clause (b), the imprisonment limit has been extended from six months to one year, and the fine has been increased from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 189 | Threat of injury to public servant. | 224 | No change to this provision |
| 190 | Threat of injury to induce person to refrain from applying for protection. | 225 | No change to this provision |
| New | Attempt to commit suicide to compel or restrain from applying or restrain of lawful power | 226 | "Anyone who attempts to commit suicide with the intent to compel or hinder any public servant from performing their official duties shall be punished with simple imprisonment for up to one year, or with a fine, or with both, or with community service." |
| 191 | Giving false evidence | 227 | No change to this provision |
| 192 | Fabricating false evidence. | 228 | No change to this provision |
| 193 | Punishment for false evidence. | 229 | The fine is defined in sub-section (1) as up to ten thousand rupees and in sub-section (2) as up to five thousand rupees. |
| 194 | Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of capital offence | 230 | The fine specified in this section can be up to fifty thousand rupees. |
| 195 | Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of offence punishable with imprisonment for life or imprisonment. | 231 | No change to this provision |
| 195A | Threatening any person to give false evidence. | 232 | Reorganized into sub-sections (1) and (2) without altering any of the wording. |
| 196 | Using evidence known to be false. | 233 | No change to this provision |
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| 197 | Issuing or signing false certificate | 234 | No change to this provision |
| 198 | Using as true a certificate known to be false | 235 | No change to this provision |
| 199 | False statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence. | 236 | The term "Court of Justice" has been replaced with "Court." |
| 200 | Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false. | 237 | In the explanation of IPC section 200, "this section" is used instead of specifying "section 200." |
| 201 | Causing disappearance of evidence ,or giving false information to screen offender. | 238 | Clauses are labeled as (a), (b), and (c) without a heading. |
| 202 | Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform | 239 | The fine specified in this section is five thousand rupees, whereas the IPC does not define a specific fine amount. |
| 203 | Giving false information respecting an offence committed. | 240 | No change to this provision |
| 204 | Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence. | 241 | The maximum imprisonment term has been increased from two years to three years, and the fine is set at up to five thousand rupees. |
| 205 | False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution. | 242 | No change to this provision |
| 206 | Fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution. | 243 | The maximum imprisonment term has been raised from two years to three years, and the fine is set at up to five thousand rupees. Additionally, "Court of Justice" has been replaced with "Court." |
| 207 | Fraudulent claim to property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution. | 244 | "Court of Justice" has been replaced with "Court." |
| 208 | Fraudulently suffering decree for sum not due | 245 | No change to this provision |
| 209 | Dishonestly making false claim in Court | 246 | Court of Justice" has been replaced with "Court. |
| 210 | Fraudulently obtaining decree for sum not due. | 247 | The IPC section has been reorganized into clauses (a) and (b) within the BNS. |
| 211 | False charge of offence made with intent to injure. | 248 | The maximum imprisonment term has been increased from two years to five years and from seven years to ten years, with the fine set at up to two lakh rupees. |
| 212 | Harbouring offender | 249 | The section has been reorganized into clauses (a), (b), and (c), with sub-headings removed. The term 'husband or wife' has been replaced with 'spouse.' |
| 213 | Taking gift, etc., to screen an offender from punishment | 250 | The section has been reorganized into clauses (a), (b), and (c) with the sub-headings removed, but the core content remains unchanged. |
| 214 | Offering gift or restoration of property in consideration of screening offender. | 251 | No change to this provision |
| 215 | Taking gift to help to recover stolen property, etc | 252 | No change to this provision |
| 216 | Harbouring offender who has escaped from custody or whose apprehension has been ordered. | 253 | No change to this provision |
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| 216A | Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits | 254 | No change to this provision |
| 217 | Public servant disobeying direction of law with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture. | 255 | No change to this provision |
| 218 | Public servant framing incorrect record or writing with intent to save a person from punishment or property from forfeiture. | 256 | No change to this provision |
| 219 | Public servants in judicial proceedings corruptly make reports, etc. contrary to law. | 257 | No change to this provision |
| 220 | Commitment for trial or confinement by person having authority who knows that he is acting contrary to la | 258 | No change to this provision |
| 221 | Intentional omission to apprehend on part of a public servant bound to apprehend. | 259 | The section has been reorganized into clauses (a), (b), and (c). |
| 222 | Intentional omission to apprehend on part of a public servant bound to apprehend a person under sentence or lawfully committed. | 260 | No change to this provision |
| 223 | Escape from confinement or custody negligently suffered by public servant. | 261 | No change to this provision |
| 224 | Resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension | 262 | No change to this provision |
| 225 | Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension of another person | 263 | |
| 225A | Omission to apprehend, or sufferance of escape, on part of a public servant, in cases not otherwise provided for. | 264 | No change to this provision |
| 225B | Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension or escape or rescue in cases not otherwise provided for. | 265 | No change to this provision |
| 227 | Violation of condition of remission of punishment. | 266 | No change to this provision |
| 228 | Intentional insult or interruption to public servant sitting in judicial proceeding | 267 | The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 229 | Personation of assessor | 268 | In the heading, “Personation of assessor” is used instead of “juror or assessor,” and the word “juryman” has been removed. |
| 229A | Failure by person released on bail or bond to appear in Court | 269 | No change to this provision |
| 268 | Public nuisance. | 270 | Two paragraphs were combined using the coordinating conjunction “but.” |
| 269 | Negligent act is likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life. | 271 | No change to this provision |
| 270 | Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life | 272 | No change to this provision |
| 271 | Disobedience to quarantine rule. | 273 | The word "vessel" has been replaced with the phrase “mode of transport, etc.” |
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| 272 | Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale | 274 | The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 273 | Sale of noxious food or drink. | 275 | The upper limit of the fine has been increased from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 274 | Adulteration of drugs. | 276 | The maximum imprisonment term has been increased from six months to one year, and the fine has been raised from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 275 | Sale of adulterated drugs. | 277 | The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 276 | Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation | 278 | The maximum fine has been increased from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 277 | Fouling water of public spring or reservoir | 279 | The maximum imprisonment term has been increased from three months to six months, and the fine has been raised from five hundred to five thousand rupees. |
| 278 | Making atmosphere noxious to health | 280 | The maximum fine has been increased from five hundred to one thousand rupees. |
| 279 | Rash driving or riding on a public way | 281 | No change to this provision |
| 270 | Rash navigation of vessels. | 282 | The maximum amount for the fine has been raised from one thousand to ten thousand rupees. |
| 281 | Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy | 283 | A fine is now imposed as an additional penalty alongside imprisonment, with ten thousand rupees set as the minimum fine. The word "and" has replaced "or" in this context. |
| 282 | Conveying a person by water for hire in unsafe or overloaded vessels. | 284 | The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 283 | Danger or obstruction in a public way or line of navigation. | 285 | The maximum fine has been raised from two hundred to five thousand rupees. |
| 284 | Negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substances. | 286 | The maximum fine has been increased from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 285 | Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter | 287 | The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand to two thousand rupees. |
| 286 | Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances. | 288 | The maximum fine has been elevated from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 287 | Negligent conduct with respect to machinery. | 289 | The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 288 | Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down, repairing or constructing buildings, etc. | 290 | BNS added "or constructing." The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand to five thousand rupees. The term "measures" has replaced "order." |
| 289 | Negligent conduct with respect to animal | 291 | The word "measure" has replaced "order." Additionally, the maximum fine has been increased from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 290 | Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for | 292 | The maximum fine has been raised from two hundred to one thousand rupees. |
| 291 | Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue. | 293 | The fine is set at a maximum of five thousand rupees. |
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| 292 | Sale, etc., of obscene books, etc. | 294 | The fine has been raised from two thousand to five thousand rupees, and from five thousand to ten thousand rupees for subsequent convictions. The phrase “including display of any content in electronic form” has been added, along with “in whatever manner.” |
| 293 | Sale, etc., of obscene objects to young person. | 295 | The term “person under the age of twenty years” has been replaced by “child,” which narrows the scope of this provision. |
| 294 | Obscene acts and songs. | 296 | The fine is set at a maximum of one thousand rupees. |
| 294A | Keeping lottery office. | 297 | The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 295 | Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class. | 298 | No change to this provision |
| 295A | Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class, by insulting its religion or religious beliefs. | 299 | The phrase "or through electronic means" has been added. |
| 296 | Disturbing religious assembly. | 300 | No change to this provision |
| 297 | Trespassing on burial places, etc. | 301 | No change to this provision |
| 298 | Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person. | 302 | No change to this provision |
| 378 | Theft. | 303(1) | An IPC section has been included as a subsection. Additionally, “Definition” has been replaced with “Section” in Explanation 5. |
| 379 | Punishment for theft. | 303(2) | Punishment for subsequent convictions has been included. |
| New | Snatching. | 304 | New Addition to the BNS. |
| 380 | Theft in a dwelling house, or means of transportation or place of worship, etc | 305 | The definition has been expanded to include "means of transportation or place of worship." The heading has been revised to include various sub-sections, with sub-sections (b), (c), (d), and (e) being new additions. |
| 381 | Theft by clerk or servant of property in possession of master. | 306 | No change to this provision |
| 382 | Theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt or restraint in order to commit theft. | 307 | No change to this provision |
| 383 | Extortion. | 308(1) | Clause (e) has been newly added to the illustrations. |
| 384 | Extortion punishment. | 308(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. Additionally, the maximum imprisonment period has been increased from three years to seven years. |
| 385 | Putting a person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion. | 308(3) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. No other changes have been made. |
| 387 | Putting a person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion. | 308(4) | No change to this provision |
| 386 | Extortion by putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt. | 308(5) | No change to this provision |
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| 388 | Extortion by threat of accusation of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life, etc. | 308(6) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The words “and, if the offence is punishable under section 377 of this Code, may be punished with imprisonment for life” have been removed, as section 377 IPC has been entirely excluded. |
| 389 | Putting a person in fear or accusation of offence, in order to commit extortion. | 308(7) | No change to this provision |
| 390 | Robbery- When theft is robbery When extortion is robbery. | 309(1),(2),(3) | Formal changes have been reorganized into clauses (1), (2), and (3), and the subheading has been removed. |
| 392 | Robbery- Punishment for robbery. | 309(4) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. No other changes have been made. |
| 393 | Robbery- Attempt to commit robbery | 309(5) | No change to this provision |
| 394 | Robbery- Voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery. | 309(6) | No change to this provision |
| 391 | Dacoity definition. | 310(1) | No change to this provision |
| 395 | Dacoity punishment . | 310(2) | No change to this provision |
| 396 | Dacoity with murder. | 310(3) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The minimum mandatory punishment for imprisonment is specified as "shall not be less than ten years." |
| 399 | Making preparation to commit dacoity. | 310(4) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. No other changes have been made. |
| 402 | Assembling for the purpose of committing dacoity. | 310(5) | The IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The words “at any time after the passing of this Act, shall” have been removed. |
| 400 | Punishment for belonging to gang of dacoits | 310(6) | No change to this provision |
| 397 | Robbery or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt. | 311 | No change to this provision |
| 398 | Attempt to commit robbery or dacoity when armed with deadly weapon | 312 | No change to this provision |
| 401 | Punishment for belonging to gang of robbers, etc. | 313 | The word "thieves" has been replaced with "robbers" in the heading. The phrases “at any time after the passing of this Act, shall,” “at wandering or other,” and “for the purpose of” have been excluded. |
| 403 | Dishonest misappropriation of property. | 314 | A minimum mandatory imprisonment of six months, along with a fine, has been added. |
| 404 | Dishonest misappropriation of property possessed by deceased person at the time of his death. | 315 | No change to this provision |
| 405 | Criminal breach of trust. | 316(1) | The definition is presented as a sub-section in BNS. |
| 406 | Punishment for criminal breach of trust. | 316(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The maximum imprisonment period has been increased from three years to five years. |
| 407 | Criminal breach of trust by the carrier, etc. | 316(3) | A section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
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| 408 | Criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant. | 316(4) | No change to this provision |
| 409 | Criminal breach of trust by a public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent. | 316(5) | No change to this provision |
| 410 | Stolen property. | 317(1) | The word "cheating" has been added. |
| 411 | Dishonestly receiving stolen property | 317(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
| 412 | Dishonestly receiving property stolen in the commission of a dacoity. | 317(3) | No change to this provision |
| 413 | Habitually dealing in stolen property. | 317(4) | No change to this provision |
| 414 | Assisting in concealment of stolen property. | 317(5) | No change to this provision |
| 415 | Cheating | 318(1) | The IPC section defining cheating is presented as a sub-section in BNS. |
| 417 | Cheating punishment. | 318(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The maximum imprisonment period has been increased from one year to three years. |
| 418 | Cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss may ensue to person whose interest offender is bound to protect | 318(3) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The maximum imprisonment period has been increased from three years to five years. |
| 420 | Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. | 318(4) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
| 416 | Cheating by personation. | 319(1) | This is a definition section, which has been presented as a sub-section in BNS without any changes. |
| 419 | Cheating by personation punishment. | 319(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The maximum imprisonment period has been increased from three years to five years. |
| 421 | Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent distribution among creditors. | 320 | A minimum mandatory imprisonment of six months has been introduced as a punishment. |
| 422 | Dishonestly or fraudulently preventing debt being available for creditors. | 321 | No change to this provision |
| 423 | Dishonest or fraudulent execution of deed of transfer containing false statement of consideration. | 322 | The maximum imprisonment period has been increased from two years to three years. |
| 424 | Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property | 323 | No change to this provision |
| 425 | Mischief. | 324(1) | No change to this provision |
| 426 | Mischief punishment. | 324(2) | The maximum imprisonment period has been increased from three months to six months. |
| New | Mischief - causes loss or damage to any property including the property of Government or Local Authority. | 324(3) | This is a new addition to the BNS. |
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| 427 | Mischief causing damage to the amount of twenty thousand rupees and more but less than one lakh rupees | 324(4) | This is a new addition to the BNS. |
| New | Mischief- cause loss or damage to an amount of one lakh rupees onwards. | 324(5) | The threshold for the value of damaged property has been increased from fifty rupees to one lakh rupees. Additionally, the punishment has been increased from two years to five years. |
| 440 | Mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt. | 324(6) | No change to this provision |
| 428/429 | Mischief by killing or maiming animals. | 325 | The maximum imprisonment period has been increased from two years to five years. The scope has been significantly expanded by amending it to include “any animal.” |
| 430 | Mischief by injury, inundation, fire or explosive substance, etc. | 326(a) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 431 | Mischief by injury to public road, bridge, river or channel. | 326(b) | The words “whoever commits mischief” have been excluded. The section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 432 | Mischief by causing inundation or obstruction to public drainage attended with damage | 326(c) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 433 | Mischief by injury, inundation, fire or explosive substance, etc. | 326(d) | The words “lighthouse or other light used as sea marks or any sea mark or buoy” have been replaced with “any sign or signal used for navigation of rail, aircraft, or ship,” significantly broadening the scope. |
| 434 | Mischief by destroying or moving, etc., a land-mark fixed by public authority | 326(e) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 435 | Mischief by injury, inundation, fire or explosive substance, etc | 326(f) | The words "including agricultural produce" have been added. |
| 436 | Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc | 326(g) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 437 | Mischief with intent to destroy or make unsafe a rail, aircraft, decked vessel or one of twenty tons burden. | 327(1) | Formal changes have been made, but the essence remains the same. The terms "rail" and "aircraft" have been added to the heading. |
| 438 | Punishment for the above offence. | 327(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 439 | Punishment for intentionally running a vessel aground or ashore with intent to commit theft, etc. | 328 | No change to this provision |
| 441 | Criminal trespass and house- trespass. | 329(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section. |
| 442 | Criminal trespass and house- trespass | 329(2) | No change to this provision |
| 447 | Criminal trespass punishment. | 329(3) | The IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The fine has been increased from five hundred rupees to five thousand rupees. |
| 448 | Punishment for house- trespass. | 329(4) | The IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The maximum fine has been increased from one thousand to five thousand rupees. |
| 443 | Lurking house trespass. | 330(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section. |
| 445 | House breaking. | 330(2) | The IPC section has been included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. The phrase “any of such six ways” has been replaced with “in any of the following ways.” |
| 453 | Punishment for house- trespass or house-breaking | 331(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section. The term “lurking” has been removed from the heading. |
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| 456 | Punishment for lurking house-trespass or house-breaking by night. | 331(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The phrase “by night” has been replaced with “after sunset and before sunrise.” |
| 454 | Lurking house-trespass or housebreaking in order to commit an offence punishable with imprisonment. | 331(3) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
| 457 | Lurking house-trespass or housebreaking by night in order to commit an offence punishable with imprisonment. | 331(4) | The words “by night” have been replaced with “after sunset and before sunrise.” |
| 455 | Lurking house-trespass or housebreaking after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint | 331(5) | A section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
| 458 | Lurking house-trespass or housebreaking by night after preparation for hurt, assault, or wrongful restraint. | 331(6) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The phrase “by night” has been replaced with “after sunset and before sunrise.” |
| 459 | Grievous hurt caused whilst committing lurking house-trespass or house-breaking. | 331(7) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. |
| 460 | All persons jointly concerned in lurking house-trespass or housebreaking by night are punishable where death or grievous hurt is caused by one of them. | 331(8) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS without a heading. The phrase “by night” has been replaced with “after sunset and before sunrise.” |
| 449 | House-trespass in order to commit an offence punishable with death. | 332(a) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section in BNS. |
| 450 | House-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life | 332(b) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 451 | House-trespass in order to commit an offence punishable with imprisonment. | 332(c) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 452 | House-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint | 333 | No change to this provision |
| 461 | Dishonestly breaking open receptacle containing property. | 334(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 462 | Punishment for the same offence when committed by person entrusted with custody. | 334(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 464 | Making a false document | 335 | |
| 463 | Forgery | 336(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 465 | Forgery Punishment | 336(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 468 | Forgery for purpose of cheating | 336(3) | No change to this provision |
| 469 | Forgery for purpose of harming reputation. | 336(4) | No change to this provision |
| 466 | Forgery of record of Court or of public register, etc. | 337 | |
| 467 | Forgery of valuable security, will, etc. | 338 | No change to this provision |
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| 474 | Having possession of document described in Section 337 or Section 338, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine. | 339 | No change to this provision |
| 470 | Forged document or electronic record. and using it as genuine. | 340(1) | The IPC section is incorporated as a sub-section within the BNS. The heading now includes the phrase “using it as genuine.” |
| 471 | Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record. | 340(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 472 | Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery, punishable under section 338. | 341(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 473 | Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise. | 341(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| New | Possesses any seal, plate or other instrument knowing the same to be counterfeit. | 341(3) | "Anyone who possesses a seal, plate, or other instrument, aware that it is counterfeit, will face imprisonment of either kind for up to three years and may also be subject to a fine." |
| New | Fraudulently or dishonestly uses as genuine any seal, plate or other instrument knowing or having reason to believe the same to be counterfeit. | 341(4) | "Anyone who fraudulently or dishonestly uses any seal, plate, or other instrument as genuine, while knowing or having reason to believe it is counterfeit, shall be punished in the same way as if they had created or counterfeited the seal, plate, or other instrument themselves." |
| 475 | Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 338, or possessing counterfeit marked material. | 342(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 476 | Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 338, or possessing counterfeit marked material. | 342(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 477 | Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc. of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security. | 343 | No change to this provision |
| 477A | Falsification of accounts. | 344 | No change to this provision |
| 479 | Property mark. | 345(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 481 | Using a false property mark. | 345(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 482 | Punishment for using a false property mark. | 345(3) | No change to this provision |
| 489 | Tampering with property mark with intent to cause injury. | 346 | No change to this provision |
| 483 | Counterfeiting a property mark. | 347(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 484 | Counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant. | 347(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 485 | Making or possession of any instrument for counterfeiting a property mark. | 348 | No change to this provision |
| 486 | Selling goods marked with counterfeit property mark. | 349 | No change to this provision |
| 487 | Making a false mark upon any receptacle containing goods | 350(1) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
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| 488 | Punishment for making use of any such false mark | 350(2) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 503 | Criminal intimidation. | 351(1) | The IPC section is included as a sub-section in the BNS, with the addition of the phrase “by any means.” |
| 506 | Criminal intimidation punishment | 351(2)/(3) | An IPC section has been included as a sub-section without a heading. |
| 507 | Criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication. | 351(4) | No change to this provision |
| 504 | Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace. | 352 | The IPC section is included as a sub-section in the BNS, with the addition of the phrase “in any manner.” |
| 505 | Statements conducing to public mischief. | 353 | The IPC section is incorporated as a sub-section in the BNS, with the additions of the phrases “false information” and “including through electronic means.” |
| 508 | Act caused by inducing person to believe that he will be rendered an object of the Divine displeasure. | 354 | No change to this provision |
| 510 | Misconduct in public by a drunken person | 355 | The fine has been increased from ten rupees to one thousand rupees, and community service has been added as an alternative penalty. |
| 499 | Defamation. | 356(1) | The IPC section has been included as a sub-section. |
| 500 | Defamation punishment. | 356(2) | The IPC section is included as a sub-section in the BNS without a heading. Additionally, "or with community service" has been added as an alternative punishment. |
| 501 | Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory. | 356(3) | The IPC section is included as a sub-section within the BNS, without a heading. |
| 502 | Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter. | 356(4) | No change to this provision |
| 491 | Breach of contract to attend on and supply wants of helpless person. | 357 | The fine has been increased from two hundred rupees to five thousand rupees. |
| New | Repeal and Savings. | 358 | This section is a new addition. The Indian Penal Code, 1860, was originally enacted by the British colonizers, so a Repeal and Savings Section was not initially needed. According to sub-section (1) and subsequent Government of India notifications, the IPC will be repealed on 1st July 2024. However, sub-sections (2) to (4) outline provisions for savings related to the repealed code. |
Written by Ruthvik Nayaka
Ruthvik Nayaka is a final year law student, his interests lies in areas including, but not limited to Corporate Law and taxation law. He is also the EN-ROADS Climate Ambassador. He facilities climate-workshop, climate action simulation game and group meetings.
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