IPC VS BNS

IPC vs BNS: Understanding India’s Criminal Law Reform

Chapter 1 – Offences Against the Human Body (Homicide)

1. Murder

  • IPC Section 302Punishment for Murder

    Whoever commits murder shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.

  • BNS Section 101Murder

    Same wording: Whoever commits murder shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.


2. Culpable Homicide not amounting to Murder

  • IPC Section 304Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder

    Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 10 years + fine, depending on intention/knowledge.

  • BNS Section 104Culpable homicide not amounting to murder

    Whoever commits culpable homicide not amounting to murder shall be punished with life imprisonment, or imprisonment up to 10 years + fine.


3. Attempt to Murder

  • IPC Section 307Attempt to Murder

    Whoever does an act with such intention or knowledge, that if death were caused he would be guilty of murder, shall be punished with imprisonment up to 10 years + fine; if hurt is caused, imprisonment may extend to life imprisonment.

  • BNS Section 109Attempt to Murder

    Same definition. Punishment up to 10 years + fine; if hurt is caused, life imprisonment may be given.


4. Causing Death by Negligence

  • IPC Section 304ACausing death by negligence

    Whoever causes the death of any person by a rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide, shall be punished with imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 106Causing death by negligence

    Same provision. Punishment up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


5. Dowry Death

  • IPC Section 304BDowry Death

    Where the death of a woman is caused by burns, bodily injury, or unnatural circumstances within 7 years of marriage, and she was subjected to cruelty or harassment in relation to demand for dowry, husband/relatives shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than 7 years, which may extend to life.

  • BNS Section 80Dowry Death

    Same wording, but clarified with more victim-centric language. Punishment: 7 years to life imprisonment.

    ? Chapter 2 – Sexual Offences (Against Women & Children)


    1. Rape

  • IPC Section 375–376Rape & Punishment for Rape

    Defines rape as sexual intercourse against the will/without consent of a woman.
    Punishment (Sec. 376): Not less than 7 years, may extend to life imprisonment, and fine.

  • BNS Sections 63–70Rape & Sexual Offences

    Expanded definition: includes digital penetration, broader definition of consent, protection for minors.
    Punishment: Not less than 10 years, which may extend to life imprisonment, and fine.
    Aggravated cases (custodial rape, gang rape, offences against minors): punishment may include death penalty.


  • 2. Sexual Harassment

  • IPC Section 354ASexual Harassment

    Any unwelcome physical contact, demand for sexual favours, showing pornography, or sexually coloured remarks.
    Punishment: 1–3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 74Sexual Harassment

    Same acts covered, with expanded scope for electronic communication/online harassment.
    Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 3. Assault or Criminal Force to Woman with Intent to Outrage Modesty

  • IPC Section 354Outraging Modesty of Woman

    Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any woman intending to outrage her modesty shall be punished with 1–5 years imprisonment + fine.

  • BNS Section 73Assault to Outrage Modesty

    Similar wording; punishment: 1–5 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 4. Voyeurism

  • IPC Section 354CVoyeurism

    Watching or capturing image of a woman engaging in private act without consent.
    Punishment: 1–3 years for first offence, 3–7 years for repeat offence.

  • BNS Section 75Voyeurism

    Same definition; punishment unchanged.

  • 5. Stalking

  • IPC Section 354DStalking

    Following a woman, contacting repeatedly, monitoring internet/email without consent.
    Punishment: Up to 3 years + fine (first offence), 5 years + fine (repeat offence).

  • BNS Section 76Stalking

    Same wording, includes cyberstalking.
    Punishment: 3 years + fine (first), 5 years + fine (repeat).


  • 6. Acid Attacks

  • IPC Sections 326A, 326BAcid Attack and Attempt

    Punishment: 10 years to life imprisonment + fine for medical expenses.

  • BNS Sections 124–125Acid Attack and Attempt

    Same provisions; punishment: 10 years to life imprisonment, fine to cover victim’s medical treatment.

    ? Chapter 3 – Offences Against Property


    1. Theft

  • IPC Section 378Theft

    Whoever dishonestly takes movable property out of possession of another without consent is said to commit theft.
    Punishment (IPC 379): Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 303Theft

    Same definition as IPC.
    Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.


  • 2. Extortion

  • IPC Section 383Extortion

    Whoever intentionally puts any person in fear of injury, and thereby dishonestly induces the person to deliver property.
    Punishment (IPC 384): Up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 308Extortion

    Same provision; punishment up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 3. Robbery

  • IPC Section 390Robbery

    Theft or extortion becomes robbery when violence or threat is used.
    Punishment (IPC 392): Rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 309Robbery

    Same definition.
    Punishment: Rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years + fine.


  • 4. Dacoity

  • IPC Section 391Dacoity

    When five or more persons commit or attempt to commit robbery, it is dacoity.
    Punishment (IPC 395): Imprisonment for life, or rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 311Dacoity

    Same definition.
    Punishment: Life imprisonment, or rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years + fine.


  • 5. Criminal Misappropriation of Property

  • IPC Section 403Dishonest Misappropriation

    Dishonestly misappropriating or converting property to one’s own use.
    Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 314Dishonest Misappropriation

    Same provision.
    Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 6. Criminal Breach of Trust

  • IPC Section 405–409Criminal breach of trust

    Dishonest misappropriation/ conversion of property entrusted to a person.
    Punishment (IPC 406): Imprisonment up to 3 years + fine.
    IPC 409 (by banker, merchant, agent): Life imprisonment or 10 years + fine.


  • 7. Cheating

  • IPC Section 415–420Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property

    Whoever cheats and dishonestly induces a person to deliver property or valuable security.
    Punishment (IPC 420): Imprisonment up to 7 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 316Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery

    Same wording.
    Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 8. Mischief

  • IPC Section 425–440Mischief

    Causing wrongful loss or damage to another by destroying or changing property.
    Punishment (IPC 426): Imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 322Mischief

    Same definition.
    Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine, or both.

    ? Chapter 4 – Offences Against the State & Public Order


    1. Waging War Against the Government of India

  • IPC Section 121Waging war against the Government of India

    Whoever wages war, or attempts to wage war, or abets the waging of war against the Government of India shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and fine.

  • BNS Section 147Waging war against the Government of India

    Same provision.
    Punishment: Death penalty, or life imprisonment, and fine.


  • 2. Conspiracy to Wage War

  • IPC Section 121AConspiracy to commit offences against the State

    Conspiring to commit offences punishable under Section 121, or conspiring to overawe Government by criminal force.
    Punishment: Imprisonment for life, or up to 10 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 148Conspiracy to wage war

    Same wording.
    Punishment: Life imprisonment, or up to 10 years + fine.


  • 3. Sedition

  • IPC Section 124ASedition

    Whoever by words, signs, visible representation, etc., brings or attempts to bring hatred or contempt against Government shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or up to 3 years + fine.

  • BNS – Repealed

    Sedition under IPC 124A has been removed in BNS.
    Instead, new provisions cover “Acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India” (BNS Section 150–152).
    Punishment: Life imprisonment or up to 7 years + fine.


  • 4. Collecting Arms with Intent to Wage War

  • IPC Section 122Collecting arms with intention of waging war

    Punishable with life imprisonment or 10 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 149Collecting arms with intention of waging war

    Same provision.
    Punishment: Life imprisonment, or up to 10 years + fine.


  • 5. Assault on President, Governor, etc.

  • IPC Section 124Assaulting President/Governor with intent to compel or restrain lawful power

    Punishable with imprisonment for life, or up to 7 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 153Assault on President/Governor, etc.

    Same provision.
    Punishment: Life imprisonment, or up to 7 years + fine.


  • 6. Unlawful Assembly

  • IPC Section 141Unlawful Assembly

    When 5 or more persons assemble with a common object to use force or commit offences, it is unlawful.


  • 7. Rioting

  • IPC Section 146–148Rioting

    When unlawful assembly uses force/violence, every member guilty of rioting.
    Punishment: Up to 2 years, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Sections 189–190Rioting

    Same provision.
    Punishment: Up to 2 years, or fine, or both.


  • 8. Affray

  • IPC Section 159–160Affray

    When two or more persons disturb public peace by fighting, it is affray.
    Punishment: Imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ?100, or both.

  • BNS Section 193Affray

    Same definition.
    Punishment: Up to 1 month, or fine, or both.

  •  
  • BNS Section 187Unlawful Assembly

    Same definition.
    Punishment (BNS 188 = IPC 143): Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.

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  • BNS Sections 315–321Criminal breach of trust

    Same provisions, grouped under one chapter.
    Punishment: Same as IPC (3 years, 10 years, or life depending on offender).

    ? Chapter 5 – Offences Relating to Religion & Public Morality


    1. Injuring or Defiling Place of Worship

  • IPC Section 295Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult religion

    Whoever destroys, damages, or defiles any place of worship, or sacred object, with intent to insult religion shall be punished with imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 298Injuring or defiling place of worship

    Same definition.
    Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 2. Acts Outraging Religious Feelings

  • IPC Section 295ADeliberate acts to outrage religious feelings

    Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention, insults religion or religious beliefs, shall be punished with up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 298(2)Acts outraging religious feelings

    Same wording.
    Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 3. Disturbing Religious Assembly

  • IPC Section 296Disturbing religious assembly

    Whoever voluntarily causes disturbance to any lawful religious assembly shall be punished with up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 299Disturbing religious assembly

    Same provision.
    Punishment: Up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 4. Trespassing on Burial Places

  • IPC Section 297Trespass in burial places

    Whoever trespasses in burial places, or offers indignity to human corpse, with intent to wound religious feelings, shall be punished with up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 300Trespassing burial places, indignity to corpse

    Same wording.
    Punishment: Up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • 5. Uttering Words with Intent to Hurt Religious Feelings

  • IPC Section 298Uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings

    Whoever, with deliberate intent, utters any word or makes any sound or gesture to wound religious feelings shall be punished with up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 301Uttering words with intent to hurt religion

    Same provision.
    Punishment: Up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 6. Obscenity (Public Morality)

  • IPC Section 292–294Sale, distribution, or exhibition of obscene material

    Whoever sells, distributes, or publicly exhibits obscene content.
    Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years + fine (first conviction), 5 years + fine (subsequent).

  • BNS Sections 182–183Obscenity and indecent acts

    Broader scope (includes online/ digital content).
    Punishment: Same as IPC – 2 years (first offence), 5 years (repeat offence).

    ? Chapter 5 – Offences Relating to Religion & Public Morality


    1. Injuring or Defiling Place of Worship

  • IPC Section 295Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult religion

    Whoever destroys, damages, or defiles any place of worship, or sacred object, with intent to insult religion shall be punished with imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 298Injuring or defiling place of worship

    Same definition.
    Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 2. Acts Outraging Religious Feelings

  • IPC Section 295ADeliberate acts to outrage religious feelings

    Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention, insults religion or religious beliefs, shall be punished with up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 298(2)Acts outraging religious feelings

    Same wording.
    Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 3. Disturbing Religious Assembly

  • IPC Section 296Disturbing religious assembly

    Whoever voluntarily causes disturbance to any lawful religious assembly shall be punished with up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 299Disturbing religious assembly

    Same provision.
    Punishment: Up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 4. Trespassing on Burial Places

  • IPC Section 297Trespass in burial places

    Whoever trespasses in burial places, or offers indignity to human corpse, with intent to wound religious feelings, shall be punished with up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 300Trespassing burial places, indignity to corpse

    Same wording.
    Punishment: Up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • 5. Uttering Words with Intent to Hurt Religious Feelings

  • IPC Section 298Uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings

    Whoever, with deliberate intent, utters any word or makes any sound or gesture to wound religious feelings shall be punished with up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 301Uttering words with intent to hurt religion

    Same provision.
    Punishment: Up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 6. Obscenity (Public Morality)

  • IPC Section 292–294Sale, distribution, or exhibition of obscene material

    Whoever sells, distributes, or publicly exhibits obscene content.
    Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years + fine (first conviction), 5 years + fine (subsequent).

  • BNS Sections 182–183Obscenity and indecent acts

    Broader scope (includes online/ digital content).
    Punishment: Same as IPC – 2 years (first offence), 5 years (repeat offence).

    ? Chapter 7 – Offences Relating to Marriage & Family


    1. Bigamy (Marrying Again During Lifetime of Spouse)

  • IPC Section 494Bigamy

    Whoever, having a husband or wife living, marries again, such marriage being void, shall be punished with imprisonment up to 7 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 82Bigamy

    Same definition.
    Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 2. Marrying Again with Concealment of Former Marriage

  • IPC Section 495Bigamy with concealment

    Whoever commits bigamy by concealing the former marriage shall be punished with up to 10 years imprisonment + fine.

  • BNS Section 83Bigamy with concealment

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 10 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 3. Marriage Fraudulently Gone Through

  • IPC Section 496Marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through

    Whoever dishonestly goes through a marriage ceremony, knowing it is not a lawful marriage, shall be punished with up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 4. Adultery (?? Decriminalised in IPC after SC ruling, but earlier provision)

  • IPC Section 497Adultery

    A man who has sexual intercourse with the wife of another man without consent of her husband commits adultery. Punishment: up to 5 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS – Omitted

    Adultery is not an offence under BNS (following Supreme Court judgment in Joseph Shine v. Union of India, 2018).

    1. Bigamy

  • IPC 494 → Marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife.

    Punishment: Up to 7 years + fine.

  • BNS 82 → Same definition.

    Punishment: Up to 7 years + fine.


  • 2. Bigamy with Concealment

  • IPC 495 → Conceals first marriage while marrying again.

    Punishment: Up to 10 years + fine.

  • BNS 83 → Same.

    Punishment: 10 years + fine.


  • 3. Fraudulent Marriage Ceremony

  • IPC 496 → Goes through marriage ceremony dishonestly knowing it is void.

    Punishment: Up to 7 years + fine.

  • BNS 84 → Same.

    Punishment: 7 years + fine.


  • 4. Adultery

  • IPC 497 → Sexual intercourse with wife of another without husband’s consent.

    Punishment: Up to 5 years, or fine, or both.

  • BNS – Omitted → ? Adultery decriminalised (SC 2018 – Joseph Shine case).

  • 5. Cruelty by Husband or Relatives

  • IPC 498A → Subjecting wife to cruelty.

    Punishment: Up to 3 years + fine.

  • BNS 85 → Same.

    Punishment: 3 years + fine.


  • 6. Enticing or Taking Away a Married Woman

  • IPC 498 → Takes/entices married woman with intent of illicit intercourse.

    Punishment: Up to 2 years, or fine, or both.

  • BNS 86 → Same.

    Punishment: 2 years, or fine, or both.

    ? Chapter 8 – Offences Against Public Servants & Administration of Justice


    1. Obstructing a Public Servant

  • IPC Section 186Obstructing public servant in discharge of duty

    Whoever voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of his public functions shall be punished with imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine up to ?500, or both.

  • BNS Section 222Obstructing public servant

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 3 months imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 2. Assault on Public Servant

  • IPC Section 353Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty

    Punishable with imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 225Assault on public servant

    Same provision.
    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 3. Bribery / Taking Gratification

  • IPC Sections 161–165ABribery & Corruption (? later repealed and covered by Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988).

  • BNS – Not Included → These provisions are now dealt with separately under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.


  • 4. False Evidence

  • IPC Section 191Giving false evidence

    Whoever, being legally bound to state the truth, makes a false statement.
    Punishment (IPC 193): Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.

  • BNS Section 227False evidence

    Same definition.
    Punishment: 7 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 5. Fabricating False Evidence

  • IPC Section 192Fabricating false evidence

    Punishable with same punishment as giving false evidence (up to 7 years + fine).

  • BNS Section 228Fabricating false evidence

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 7 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 6. Contempt of Lawful Authority / Refusing to Sign Statement

  • IPC Section 180Refusing to sign statement when legally required

    Punishable with imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine, or both.


  • 7. Disobedience to Order Promulgated by Public Servant

  • IPC Section 188Disobedience to order by public servant

    Punishable with simple imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ?1000, or both.

  • BNS Section 223Disobedience to order

    Same provision.
    Punishment: 6 months imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 8. Giving or Fabricating False Evidence in Capital Cases

  • IPC Section 194False evidence with intent to procure conviction of capital offence

    Punishable with death penalty or life imprisonment if an innocent person is executed.

  • BNS Section 229False evidence in capital cases

    Same wording.
    Punishment: Death penalty or life imprisonment.

     

  •  
  • BNS Section 220Refusing to sign statement

    Same.
    Punishment: 3 months imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  •  
  • BNS Section 84Fraudulent marriage ceremony

    Same provision.
    Punishment: 7 years imprisonment + fine.

    ? Chapter 9 – Offences Affecting Public Health, Safety, Convenience & Decency


    1. Public Nuisance

  • IPC Section 268Public nuisance

    Any act or omission causing common injury, danger, or annoyance to public, or which must necessarily cause injury/annoyance to the public.
    Punishment (IPC 290): Fine up to ?200.

  • BNS Section 277Public nuisance

    Same definition.
    Punishment: Fine up to ?200.


  • 2. Negligent Acts Likely to Spread Infection

  • IPC Section 269Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life

    Punishment: Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 278Negligent act spreading infection

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 6 months, or fine, or both.


  • 3. Malignant Act Likely to Spread Infection

  • IPC Section 270Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life

    Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 279Malignant act spreading infection

    Same.
    Punishment: 2 years, or fine, or both.


  • 4. Adulteration of Food or Drink

  • IPC Section 272Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale

    Punishment: Up to 6 months imprisonment, or fine up to ?1000, or both.

  • BNS Section 280Adulteration of food or drink

    Same definition, but higher fine.
    Punishment: 6 months imprisonment, or fine up to ?10,000, or both.


  • 5. Sale of Noxious Food or Drink

  • IPC Section 273Sale of noxious food or drink

    Punishment: 6 months imprisonment, or fine up to ?1000, or both.

  • BNS Section 281Sale of noxious food or drink

    Same.
    Punishment: 6 months imprisonment, or fine up to ?10,000, or both.


  • 6. Adulteration of Drugs

  • IPC Section 274Adulteration of drugs

    Punishment: 6 months imprisonment, or fine up to ?1000, or both.

  • BNS Section 282Adulteration of drugs

    Same provision.
    Punishment: 6 months imprisonment, or fine up to ?10,000, or both.

  • IPC Section 275Sale of adulterated drugs

    Punishment: 6 months imprisonment, or fine up to ?1000, or both.

  • BNS Section 283Sale of adulterated drugs

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 6 months imprisonment, or fine up to ?10,000, or both.


  • 8. Fouling Water of Public Spring or Reservoir

  • IPC Section 277Fouling water

    Punishment: 3 months imprisonment, or fine ?500, or both.

  • BNS Section 285Fouling water

    Same.
    Punishment: 3 months imprisonment, or fine up to ?2000, or both.


  • 9. Making Atmosphere Noxious to Health

  • IPC Section 278Making atmosphere noxious to health

    Punishment: Fine up to ?500.

  • BNS Section 286Making atmosphere noxious

    Same provision.
    Punishment: Fine up to ?2000.

    ? Chapter 10 – Offences Relating to Animals & Property Damage


    1. Killing or Maiming Animals

  • IPC Section 428Mischief by killing/maiming animal worth ?10 or more

    Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 324Mischief by killing/maiming animal

    Same definition.
    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 2. Killing or Maiming Cattle, Elephants, etc.

  • IPC Section 429Mischief by killing/maiming cattle, elephant, horse, mule, etc.

    Punishment: Up to 5 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 325Mischief by killing/maiming cattle, elephants, etc.

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 5 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 3. Trespass to Commit Offence (House Trespass)

  • IPC Section 442House trespass

    Whoever enters into or remains in property with intent to commit offence.
    Punishment (IPC 448): Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine up to ?1000, or both.

  • BNS Section 331House trespass

    Same definition.
    Punishment: 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 4. Lurking House Trespass

  • IPC Section 443–444Lurking house trespass by night

    Punishment (IPC 456): Imprisonment up to 3 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 332Lurking house trespass

    Same.
    Punishment: 3 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 5. House Breaking

  • IPC Section 445–446House breaking by night

    Punishment (IPC 457): Imprisonment up to 5 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 333House breaking

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 5 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 6. Criminal Trespass on Burial Grounds (Already Covered in Religion Chapter)

  • IPC Section 297Trespass in burial places, indignity to corpses.

  • BNS Section 300 → Same.

  • IPC Section 425Mischief

    Causing destruction/change of property with intent to cause wrongful loss.
    Punishment (IPC 426): Up to 3 months imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 322Mischief

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 3 months imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 8. Mischief by Fire or Explosives to House

  • IPC Section 435Mischief by fire or explosive to cause damage to house

    Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.

  • BNS Section 327Mischief by fire/explosives to house

    Same.
    Punishment: 7 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 9. Mischief by Fire or Explosives to Public Property

  • IPC Section 436Mischief by fire/explosives to destroy house, place of worship, dwelling

    Punishment: Imprisonment for life, or up to 10 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 328Mischief by fire/explosives to destroy public property

    Same definition.
    Punishment: Life imprisonment, or up to 10 years + fine.

    ? Chapter 11 – Offences Relating to Elections & Public Duty


    1. Bribery at Elections

  • IPC Section 171BBribery

    Giving or accepting gratification to induce someone to exercise electoral right.
    Punishment (IPC 171E): Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 169Bribery in elections

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 2. Undue Influence at Elections

  • IPC Section 171CUndue influence

    Voluntarily interfering with free exercise of electoral right.
    Punishment (IPC 171F): Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 170Undue influence

    Same definition.
    Punishment: 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 3. Personation at Elections

  • IPC Section 171DPersonation at election

    Voting in someone else’s name, or more than once.
    Punishment (IPC 171F): Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 171Personation at election

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 4. False Statement in Connection with Election

  • IPC Section 171GFalse statement to affect election result

    Making/publishing false statements relating to candidate’s personal character/conduct.
    Punishment: Fine only.

  • BNS Section 172False statement in election

    Same.
    Punishment: Fine only.

  • 5. Illegal Payments in Connection with Elections

  • IPC Section 171HIllegal payments at elections

    Incurring expenses without authority of candidate.
    Punishment: Fine up to ?500.

  • BNS Section 173Illegal payments at elections

    Same definition.
    Punishment: Fine up to ?500.


  • 6. Failure to Keep Election Accounts

  • IPC Section 171IFailure to keep election accounts

    Candidate failing to keep accounts of election expenses.
    Punishment: Fine up to ?500.

  • BNS Section 174Failure to keep election accounts

    Same.
    Punishment: Fine up to ?500.

    ? Chapter 12 – Defamation, Intimidation & Related Offences


    1. Defamation

  • IPC Section 499Defamation

    Whoever, by words (spoken/written), signs, or visible representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning a person intending to harm reputation.
    Punishment (IPC 500): Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 354Defamation

    Same definition with clarifications for online/electronic publication.
    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 2. Printing or Selling Defamatory Material

  • IPC Section 501Printing/engraving defamatory matter

    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 355Printing/engraving defamatory matter

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 3. Sale of Printed Defamatory Material

  • IPC Section 502Sale of printed/engraved defamatory matter

    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 356Sale of defamatory material

    Same.
    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 4. Criminal Intimidation

  • IPC Section 503Criminal intimidation

    Threatening another with injury to person, reputation, or property, with intent to cause alarm.
    Punishment (IPC 506): Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both (may extend to 7 years if threat to life/property).

  • BNS Section 351Criminal intimidation

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both; up to 7 years in aggravated cases.

  • 5. Sending Threatening Letters

  • IPC Section 507Criminal intimidation by anonymous communication

    Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, in addition to punishment for intimidation.

  • BNS Section 352Criminal intimidation by anonymous communication

    Same.
    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment (extra).


  • 6. Insult with Intent to Provoke Breach of Peace

  • IPC Section 504Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace

    Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 353Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace

    Same provision.
    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

    ? Chapter 13 – Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy & Attempts


    1. Abetment – Definition

  • IPC Section 107Abetment of a thing

    A person abets an offence who:
    (i) instigates someone to do it, or
    (ii) engages in conspiracy to do it, or
    (iii) intentionally aids the act.

  • BNS Section 56Abetment

    Same definition.


  • 2. Abetment Punishment

  • IPC Sections 108–117Abettor & punishment

    Abettor punished with same punishment as offence abetted (with exceptions).

  • BNS Sections 57–64Abettor & punishment

    Same principle retained.


  • 3. Abetment by Public Servant

  • IPC Section 109 + 119Public servant concealing design to commit offence

    Punishment as per gravity of offence abetted.

  • BNS Section 65–67Abetment by public servant

    Same provision.


  • 4. Criminal Conspiracy

  • IPC Section 120ACriminal conspiracy

    When two or more persons agree to do an illegal act, or legal act by illegal means.

  • BNS Section 61Criminal conspiracy

    Same wording.

  • IPC Section 120BPunishment of criminal conspiracy

    Same punishment as abetment of the offence.

  • BNS Section 62Punishment for criminal conspiracy

    Same principle.

  • IPC Section 511Punishment for attempting offences punishable with life imprisonment or other imprisonment

    Whoever attempts to commit an offence and does any act towards commission is punishable with up to half of maximum punishment for the offence.

  • BNS Section 61 (read with General Part)Attempt

    Explicitly recognizes attempt = half punishment of the offence attempted.


  • 6. Concealing Design to Commit Offence

  • IPC Section 118Concealing design to commit offence punishable with death/life

    Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.

  • BNS Section 66Concealing design to commit offence

    Same provision.
    Punishment: 7 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 7. Harbouring Offender

  • IPC Section 212Harbouring offender

    Whoever harbours or conceals an offender with intent to prevent his apprehension.
    Punishment: Varies from 3 to 7 years depending on offence.

  • BNS Section 237Harbouring offender

    Same definition.
    Punishment: 3 to 7 years imprisonment depending on case.

    ? Chapter 14 – Special Offences (Terrorism, Organized Crime & Cybercrime)

    ?? Note: These offences are new in BNS. They were not present in IPC. Earlier, they were dealt with under special laws (like UAPA, MCOCA, IT Act). Now, BNS directly includes them.


    1. Terrorism

  • IPC – ? Not Defined (covered separately under UAPA, 1967).

  • BNS Section 111–113Terrorist acts

    A “terrorist act” includes:
    – Using explosives, firearms, biological/chemical/nuclear substances to threaten sovereignty or integrity of India.
    – Causing death, serious injury, or damage to essential infrastructure.
    – Acts intended to strike terror among people.
    Punishment:

    • If death caused → Death penalty or Life imprisonment + fine.

    • In other cases → 5 years to Life imprisonment + fine.


  • 2. Organized Crime

  • IPC – ? Not Defined (MCOCA and state laws earlier).

  • BNS Section 109–110Organized crime

    Any continuing unlawful activity by a group of two or more persons, including kidnapping, extortion, contract killing, trafficking, cybercrime, etc., for material benefit.
    Punishment:

    • If death results → Death penalty or Life imprisonment + fine.

    • In other cases → 5 years to Life imprisonment + fine.


  • 3. Petty Organized Crime

  • IPC – ? Not Defined.

  • BNS Section 110(2)Petty organized crime

    Small gangs involved in theft, snatching, cheating, illicit liquor, gambling, betting, cyber scams, etc.
    Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.

  • IPC – ? Not Defined (covered partly under IT Act, 2000).

  • BNS Section 111(3), 115, 116Cyber offences

    Includes:

    • Identity theft, impersonation, fraudulent electronic communication.

    • Publishing/transmitting obscene or sexually explicit content online.

    • Cyber fraud, phishing, ransomware, etc.
      Punishment: Up to 3 years to Life imprisonment, depending on severity.


  • 5. Acts Endangering Sovereignty, Unity & Integrity of India

  • IPC Section 124ASedition (?? repealed).

  • BNS Section 150–152Acts endangering sovereignty, unity & integrity of India

    Covers acts similar to sedition but more focused on terrorist/anti-national activities.
    Punishment: Life imprisonment, or up to 7 years + fine.

    ? Chapter 15 – Offences Against Property


    1. Theft

  • IPC Section 378Theft

    Whoever dishonestly takes movable property out of possession of any person without consent.
    Punishment (IPC 379): Up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 303Theft

    Same definition.
    Punishment: 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 2. Theft in Dwelling House

  • IPC Section 380Theft in dwelling house, etc.

    Punishment: Up to 7 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 304Theft in dwelling house

    Same provision.
    Punishment: 7 years + fine.


  • 3. Theft by Clerk or Servant

  • IPC Section 381Theft by clerk/servant of property in possession of master

    Punishment: Up to 7 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 305Theft by clerk or servant

    Same.
    Punishment: 7 years + fine.


  • 4. Extortion

  • IPC Section 383Extortion

    Putting any person in fear of injury and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
    Punishment (IPC 384): Up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 308Extortion

    Same definition.
    Punishment: 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 5. Robbery

  • IPC Section 390Robbery

    Theft or extortion when offender voluntarily causes or attempts to cause death, hurt, or wrongful restraint.
    Punishment (IPC 392): Up to 10 years imprisonment + fine.

  • BNS Section 309Robbery

    Same.
    Punishment: 10 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 6. Dacoity

  • IPC Section 391Dacoity

    When 5 or more persons conjointly commit or attempt to commit robbery.
    Punishment (IPC 395): Imprisonment for life, or up to 10 years + fine.

  • BNS Section 310Dacoity

    Same wording.
    Punishment: Life imprisonment, or 10 years + fine.


  • 7. Criminal Breach of Trust

  • IPC Section 405Criminal breach of trust

    Whoever, being entrusted with property, dishonestly misappropriates it.
    Punishment (IPC 406): Up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 316Criminal breach of trust

    Same provision.
    Punishment: 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • IPC Section 409Criminal breach of trust by public servant/banker

    Punishment: Life imprisonment, or up to 10 years + fine.


  • 8. Cheating

  • IPC Section 415Cheating

    Deceiving a person fraudulently/dishonestly to deliver property.
    Punishment (IPC 417): Up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 318Cheating

    Same.
    Punishment: 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • IPC Section 420Cheating & dishonestly inducing delivery of property

    Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.

  • BNS Section 319Cheating & dishonestly inducing delivery

    Same.
    Punishment: 7 years imprisonment + fine.


  • 9. Dishonest Misappropriation of Property

  • IPC Section 403Dishonest misappropriation of property

    Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 315Dishonest misappropriation

    Same.
    Punishment: 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.


  • 10. Receiving Stolen Property

  • IPC Section 411Dishonestly receiving stolen property

    Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  • BNS Section 321Receiving stolen property

    Same wording.
    Punishment: 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.

  •  
  • BNS Section 317Criminal breach of trust by public servant, banker, etc.

    Same wording.
    Punishment: Life imprisonment, or up to 10 years + fine.


  • 4. Cybercrime & Identity Theft


  • 5. Attempt to Commit Offence




  • 7. Mischief (Property Damage in General)


  • 7. Sale of Adulterated Drugs




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