What is the difference between IPC and BNS?

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) was a colonial-era law from 1860. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is a modern code effective from July 1, 2024, designed to decolonize laws and address modern crimes.

What happens to cases filed before July 1, 2024?

Cases registered before July 1, 2024, will continue to be tried under the old IPC sections. New FIRs registered on or after this date will cite BNS sections.

Is Section 420 (Cheating) still valid under BNS?

The offense of 'Cheating' remains, but it is now classified under Section 318 of the BNS. The term '420' no longer applies to new cases.

IPC to BNS Converter (2025) | Indian Penal Code vs Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Deep Dive: The BNS 2023 Transition

1. Decolonization & Reorganization

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) repeals the 163-year-old Indian Penal Code. It prioritizes offenses against the human body and women/children over offenses against the state. The total number of sections has been reduced from 511 to 358 by consolidating and removing redundant colonial-era laws.

Key Shift: "Sedition" (Section 124A) is repealed. It is replaced by a more specific provision penalizing acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India (Section 152 BNS).

2. Modern Crimes & Technology

BNS recognizes digital evidence and electronic records as primary documents. It formally defines "Terrorism" in general criminal law and introduces specific punishments for organized crime, mob lynching, and "snatching" (distinct from theft).

3. The Retrospective Effect Nuance

Does BNS apply to old crimes? No (mostly). Article 20(1) of the Constitution prevents retrospective criminal laws. If a crime was committed in 2023, the IPC applies, even if the trial happens in 2026. However, procedural changes under the BNSS (replacing CrPC) generally apply immediately.

Transition Action Checklist

1

Update Drafts

Lawyers must update all standard NDAs, bail applications, and legal notices to cite BNS/BNSS if the cause of action arises post-July 1, 2024.

2

Check Date of Offense

For continuous offenses spanning July 2024 (e.g., ongoing fraud), carefully analyze whether IPC or BNS charges (or both) apply based on Supreme Court precedents on continuing offenses.

3

Community Service

BNS officially introduces "community service" as a valid punishment for petty offenses. Defense lawyers should argue for this alternative where applicable.

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