By On July 1, 2024, the Indian justice system replaced the colonial Indian Penal Code (IPC) with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This transition renumbered centuries-old sections—Murder is no longer 302, and Cheating is not 420.
This interactive tool maps these changes instantly, allowing you to locate the exact BNS section for any offense. You can track specific provisions for mob lynching, check the new strict penalties for organized crime syndicates, or verify the laws regarding debt recovery intimidation.
Use this reference to find the correct legal code, understand the new “Community Service” sentencing, and see which laws like Sedition and Adultery were removed from the statute books.
Find the Law
Instantly convert Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) or search by offense.
Now explicitly defined under BNS Sections 113 and 111.
Introduced for petty offenses like defamation and small theft.
Specific punishment (Death/Life Imprisonment) for mob lynching.
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The New Legal Trinity
BNS is just one part. The entire justice system was overhauled.
Replaces IPC.
Defines Crimes & Punishments.
Replaces CrPC.
Defines Procedure, Arrests & FIRs.
Replaces Evidence Act.
Defines Admissibility & Proof.
Key Substantive Changes & New Laws
Terrorism (Section 113)
Previously dealt with under UAPA. Now defines “Terrorist Act” within the general code, covering acts threatening unity, integrity, and economic security.
Organized Crime (Section 111)
New specific section criminalizing continuing unlawful activity by syndicates (kidnapping, contract killing, land grabbing, etc.).
Sexual Intercourse by Deceitful Means (Section 69)
Explicitly criminalizes sex obtained by false promises of employment, promotion, marriage, or suppressing identity.
Sedition Removed -> Treason Added (Section 152)
“Sedition” (IPC 124A) is removed. Section 152 now penalizes acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity (secession, armed rebellion).
National Security & Sovereignty
Major additions replacing Sedition & filling gaps.
Terrorist Act
Sec 113For the first time, “Terrorism” is defined in the general penal code. It covers acts that threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security, or economic security of India.
Endangering Sovereignty
Sec 152Replaces “Sedition” (IPC 124A). Focuses on acts exciting secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities, rather than just “disaffection” against the government.
Jurisdiction & Applicability
Extra-Territorial Reach
The BNS applies to any offense committed by:
- Any citizen of India in any place without and beyond India.
- Any person on any ship or aircraft registered in India.
- Crucially: Any person in any place without and beyond India targeting a computer resource located in India.
Modern Definitions
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Document includes Digital
Electronic records, server logs, and emails are now primary documents under definition.
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Gender Neutrality
While most rape laws remain woman-centric, the definition of ‘Gender’ now includes Transgender people.
Digital & Cyber Dimensions
Redefined “Document” (Sec 2)
The definition of ‘document’ now explicitly includes electronic and digital records. Emails, server logs, and SMS are treated on par with paper documents without needing special certification delays.
Cyber Stalking (Sec 78)
Monitoring the use by a woman of the internet, email, or any other form of electronic communication constitutes the offense of stalking.
Offenses Against Women
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Deceitful Means (Sec 69) Sexual intercourse through false promises (marriage/promotion) is now a specific crime punishable by up to 10 years.
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Gang Rape (Sec 70) Classified strictly. Rape by one or more persons constituting a group acting in furtherance of common intention.
Section 74 BNS (Modesty)
Replaces IPC 354. Deals with assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty.
Criminal Intimidation & Annoyance
Section 351 BNS (Criminal Intimidation)
Replaces IPC 503/506. If anyone threatens another with injury to person, reputation, or property to cause alarm, it is a criminal offense.
Key for Debt Recovery:
Recovery agents using abusive language or threats of arrest can be charged under this section. Civil debt default is NOT a crime.
Section 353 BNS (Insult to Breach Peace)
Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace (Old IPC 504). Often invoked in street quarrels or aggressive recovery tactics.
Guide: Debt Recovery & Jail ThreatsOrganized Crime & Syndicates (Section 111)
Definition Includes
- • Kidnapping, Robbery, Vehicle Theft
- • Contract Killing, Land Grabbing
- • Economic Offenses & Cyber Crimes
- • Human Trafficking & Drug Trafficking
Punishment Structure
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If death occurs:
Death Penalty or Life Imprisonment + Fine (min ₹10 Lakhs). -
Other cases:
Imprisonment not less than 5 years (up to Life) + Fine (min ₹5 Lakhs).
Elections & Public Tranquility
Electoral Offenses (Chapter IX)
Giving or accepting gratification to exercise electoral right. Punishable offense.
Voluntarily interfering with the free exercise of any electoral right.
Public Tranquility
Promoting disharmony on grounds of religion, race, caste, etc., or acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
Non-appearance in response to a proclamation (replaces IPC 174A) is a distinct offense.
Omitted & Decriminalized Provisions
Colonial laws removed or aligned with Supreme Court rulings.
Unnatural Offenses
Omitted. Consensual same-sex acts are no longer criminal.
Adultery
Omitted. Adultery is no longer a criminal offense.
Attempt to Suicide
Decriminalized generally. Only punishable (Sec 226) if done to restrain a public servant.
Economic & Financial Crimes
The definition of “Organized Crime” in BNS explicitly includes “Economic Offenses”. This brings severe penalties to large-scale financial frauds.
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Ponzi Schemes & Mass Marketing Fraud Included under economic offenses. Non-bailable and can attract life imprisonment if part of a syndicate.
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Hawala & Money Laundering Criminal breach of trust and forgery used for financial gain by a syndicate are now covered with stricter sentencing guidelines.
Forfeiture of Property
A critical addition in the BNS is the power to attach and forfeit property derived from the commission of an offense, particularly organized crime.
Assets acquired through criminal activity can be seized by the state.
Now prosecuted under stricter definitions of theft and organized economic crime.
Marriage & Relationships
Domestic UpdatesCruelty by Husband/Relatives
Cruelty against a woman by her husband or his relatives remains a criminal offense.
- Punishment: Up to 3 Years + Fine.
- Includes both physical and mental cruelty that drives a woman to suicide or causes grave injury.
Public Order & Safety
Now a specific offense. Snatching property from a person’s possession/use. No need to prove “hurt” as in Robbery.
Updated to include acts that cause destruction to public property or widespread fear.
Petty Organized Crime
The BNS introduces a novel concept to target street-level crime syndicates. Unlike major organized crime (Sec 111), this targets everyday nuisances committed by groups.
Offenses Covered
- Theft & Snatching
- Cheating & Unauthorized Betting
- Selling Public Exam Papers
- Pocket-picking & Card Skimming
Requirement & Penalty
- Requirement: Must be committed by a group/gang (singly or jointly).
- Punishment: Imprisonment 1 to 7 Years + Fine.
Mental Health Terminology
The BNS modernizes legal language regarding mental health, moving away from stigmatizing colonial terms.
“Intellectual Disability” is also explicitly recognized, ensuring better legal protection for vulnerable individuals.
Right of Private Defense
The right to protect oneself and property remains robust (Sections 34-44).
- Extends to causing death in cases of rape, acid attack, or kidnapping.
- Available against acts by persons with mental illness (though they may not be criminally liable).
Deep Dive: Critical Analysis
New InsightsMob Lynching (Sec 103(2))
A Distinct Category of Murder
Previously, mob violence was treated under general murder (302). The BNS creates a specific provision for murder by a group of 5 or more on specific grounds:
- Race, Caste or Community
- Sex, Place of Birth
- Language or Personal Belief
Hit & Run (Sec 106(2))
Negligence & Duty to Report
A highly debated new section. It imposes stricter penalties for drivers who escape after causing death by negligence.
- Applies to rash/negligent driving.
- Triggered if driver escapes without reporting to Police/Magistrate.
Fake Information
Endangering Sovereignty
Section 197(1)(d) addresses false information that endangers India’s integrity. It is distinct from general defamation.
- Making/publishing false info.
- Intent to mislead regarding sovereignty/integrity.
- Electronic means included.
Special Provisions & Definitions
Modernization UpdatesMedical Negligence
Specific protection for Registered Medical Practitioners (RMP). If death is caused by a medical procedure performed by a doctor, the punishment is lighter than general negligence.
Key Definitions Updated
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Gender Inclusivity
The definition of “Gender” now explicitly includes Transgender persons, ensuring wider legal protection.
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Digital Evidence
The definition of “Document” now includes electronic and digital records. Emails, server logs, and messages are now primary evidence.
Community Service: The 6 Pillars
A major first in Indian criminal law. Judges can now award community service for these specific petty offenses instead of imprisonment.
(If 1st offense)
(Sec 356)
(If public servant restrained)
(By drunken person)
(Unlawful engagement)
(To proclamation)
General Exceptions (Chapter III)
Situations where an act is not considered an offense under BNS.
New Punishment Framework
Reformative| Punishment Type | Key Change / Detail | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Community Service | Unpaid work for the benefit of the community. | Petty theft (< ₹5000), Defamation, Public intoxication, Attempt to suicide (limited). |
| Solitary Confinement | Strictly regulated. Max 3 months total. | Rigorous imprisonment sentences. Cannot exceed 14 days at a time. |
| Fines | Increased quantum for most offenses. | General applicability across BNS. |
Expert Analysis & Legal Guides
Section 74 BNS vs IPC 354
A detailed breakdown of the law regarding assault or criminal force with intent to outrage a woman’s modesty. Understand the critical legal nuances between the old IPC 354 and the new BNS 74.
Debt Recovery & Criminal Threats
Can credit card debt lead to jail? Often, recovery agents threaten criminal action. This guide clarifies the legal distinction between civil non-payment and criminal offenses.
Common Questions
Is Section 420 (Cheating) still 420?
What happens to pending cases filed under IPC?
Is Adultery a crime in BNS?
Research Completed
This document covers all major substantive changes introduced in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
