New criminal laws · ಹೊಸ ಅಪರಾಧ ಕಾನೂನುಗಳು
BNS, BNSS & BSA made easy
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam in simple words: what changed, and every important old section mapped to its new number.
BNS in simple words
The BNS is the new penal code: it says what is a crime and what the punishment is. Most offences are the same as in the IPC, renumbered and regrouped, with a few new crimes and sedition removed.
In force from 1 July 2024 · 358 sections (IPC had 511) · replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Exam tip: In answers, write both: "Section 103(1) BNS (formerly Section 302 IPC)". Examiners reward the old-to-new mapping.
What changed
Sedition removed
IPC 124A is gone. Section 152 now punishes acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
New offences
Organised crime (s.111), petty organised crime (s.112), terrorist act (s.113), mob lynching as a form of murder (s.103(2)) and snatching (s.304).
Women & children first
Offences against women and children are brought together in Chapter V. Sexual intercourse by deceitful means or false promise of marriage is a separate offence (s.69).
Community service
Community service is added as a new form of punishment (s.4(f)) for some petty offences.
Omitted
Adultery (IPC 497) and the IPC 377 offence for consensual acts are not carried over. Attempt to suicide is not a general offence; s.226 punishes attempting suicide to compel or restrain a public servant.
Old section → new section (BNS)
25 entries- IPC 34BNS 3(5)Common intentionSame principle, now in the general explanations.
- IPC 84BNS 22Unsoundness of mindGeneral exception, text unchanged.
- IPC 96–106BNS 34–44Private defenceSame rules, renumbered.
- IPC 120BBNS 61(2)Criminal conspiracy (punishment)Definition and punishment in s.61.
- IPC 124ABNS 152Sedition → acts endangering sovereigntyThe word 'sedition' is dropped; wider wording on sovereignty and integrity.
- IPC 149BNS 190Unlawful assembly: common objectRenumbered.
- IPC 299 / 300BNS 100 / 101Culpable homicide / murderDefinitions unchanged.
- IPC 302BNS 103(1)Punishment for murder103(2) adds murder by a group of five or more on grounds like race, caste or community (mob lynching).
- IPC 304ABNS 106(1)Death by negligenceMaximum raised to 5 years; s.106(2) covers hit-and-run.
- IPC 304BBNS 80Dowry deathRenumbered.
- IPC 306BNS 108Abetment of suicideRenumbered.
- IPC 307BNS 109Attempt to murderRenumbered.
- IPC 323 / 325BNS 115(2) / 117(2)Hurt / grievous hurtRenumbered.
- IPC 354BNS 74Assault on a woman to outrage modestyRenumbered.
- IPC 375 / 376BNS 63 / 64Rape (definition / punishment)Now in Chapter V with other offences against women.
- IPC 379BNS 303(2)TheftCommunity service possible for small first-time thefts.
- IPC 384BNS 308(2)ExtortionRenumbered.
- IPC 392 / 395BNS 309(4) / 310(2)Robbery / dacoityRenumbered.
- IPC 406BNS 316(2)Criminal breach of trustRenumbered.
- IPC 420BNS 318(4)CheatingRenumbered.
- IPC 447BNS 329(3)Criminal trespassRenumbered.
- IPC 498ABNS 85 / 86Cruelty by husband or relativesOffence in s.85, meaning of 'cruelty' in s.86.
- IPC 500BNS 356(2)DefamationCommunity service added as a possible punishment.
- IPC 506BNS 351(2)Criminal intimidationRenumbered.
- IPC 511BNS 62Attempt (general)Renumbered.
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