IPC vs BNS Section Comparison Table
In 2024, India replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Check what changed, find new section numbers, and see updated punishments.
| Legal Offense | Old IPC Code | New BNS Code | Key Punishment Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheating / Fraud | Section 420 | Section 318 | Renumbered Punishment remains up to 7 years in prison, plus fine. | Details |
| Murder | Section 302 | Section 103 | Renumbered Punishment is death penalty or life imprisonment. Organized mob lynching added. | Details |
| Attempt to Murder | Section 307 | Section 109 | Renumbered Punishment details remain same. Streamlined phrasing. | Details |
| Domestic Violence / Cruelty by Husband | Section 498A | Section 85 & 86 | Expanded Cruelty defined clearly. Covers mental and physical harassment. | Details |
| Assault on Woman (Molestation) | Section 354 | Section 74 | Renumbered Punishment range remains 1 to 5 years rigorous imprisonment. | Details |
| Dowry Death | Section 304B | Section 80 | Renumbered Minimum 7 years to life imprisonment. Deemed liability rules same. | Details |
| Criminal Intimidation | Section 506 | Section 351 | Renumbered Bail rules and threat of death penalties mapped. | Details |
| Theft | Section 379 | Section 303 | Amended Community service added as a punishment option for petty theft. | Details |
| Criminal Breach of Trust | Section 406 | Section 316 | Expanded Covers embezzlement, trust breach. Expanded definition. | Details |
| Simple Hurt / Assault | Section 323 | Section 115 | Fine increased Up to 1 year jail or ₹10,000 fine (increased from ₹1,000). | Details |
| Wrongful Restraint | Section 341 | Section 126 | Renumbered Up to 1 month prison or fine. Streamlined. | Details |
| Dacoity | Section 395 | Section 310 | Renumbered Covers armed robbery by 5 or more people. Sentence remains same. | Details |
| Kidnapping | Section 363 | Section 137 | Renumbered Sentence ranges remain up to 7 years in prison, plus fine. | Details |
| Defamation | Section 499 / 500 | Section 356 | Amended Allows community service as an alternative punishment for simple defamation. | Details |
| Sedition / Treason against State | Section 124A | Section 152 | Major Overhaul Sedition repealed. Replaced by acts endangering sovereignty & unity. | Details |
Major Structural Upgrades
1. **Community Service**: Added for petty crimes like public defamation, public misconduct under intoxication, or small theft.\n2. **Treason vs Sedition**: Sedition (speaking against government) is abolished. A new, stricter law targeting armed rebellion, separatism, and endangering national sovereignty is added.\n3. **Modern Crimes**: Organized crime, cyber terrorism, and mob lynching are codified as explicit offenses carrying life imprisonment or death.
Looking for specific sections?
If a section is not listed, use our main search engine at the top of the page. Enter either the old section name (e.g. IPC Section 378) or new BNS name. The system automatically cross-references and redirects to the simplified explanation page.
Back to Country Portal