BNS Full Form: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and How It Replaced the IPC
Quick Answer
BNS stands for the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the new criminal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) from 1 July 2024. It is the substantive criminal law of India, defining offences and their punishments, and it has 358 sections against the 511 of the old IPC.
BNS stands for the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the new criminal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) from 1 July 2024. It is the substantive criminal law of India, defining offences and their punishments, and it has 358 sections against the 511 of the old IPC. It is one of three new laws, alongside the BNSS (which replaced the CrPC) and the BSA (which replaced the Evidence Act).
For anyone dealing with a criminal matter today, the practical point is simple: FIRs registered before 1 July 2024 continue under the IPC, while fresh FIRs are registered under the BNS. This guide explains the full form, the key changes, the new offences, and how the old IPC sections map to the new BNS numbers, and it links to detailed guides on each major section. For advice on a specific matter, see our criminal defence service.
Table of Contents
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What the BNS Is and the Three New Criminal Laws
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is part of an overhaul of India's criminal justice framework. Three new laws came into force together on 1 July 2024.
| New law | Replaced | Deals with |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 | Indian Penal Code, 1860 | Offences and punishments (substantive law) |
| Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 | Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 | Investigation, arrest, bail, trial (procedure) |
| Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 | Indian Evidence Act, 1872 | Evidence |
The BNS is the code you look to for what is an offence and what the punishment is, while the procedure is in the BNSS. Understanding which code governs your matter is the starting point.
Key Changes and New Offences Under the BNS
The BNS is not just a renumbering of the IPC. It introduces new offences and reorganises others.
- Organised crime and terrorism are now defined as offences within the general criminal code.
- Mob lynching is expressly dealt with, including murder by a group on grounds such as caste, community, or language.
- Snatching is a distinct offence, separate from theft.
- Community service is introduced as a punishment for certain petty offences, such as first-time petty theft.
- Section 377 IPC has no direct equivalent, a change we explain in our note on Section 377 and the BNS.
These changes matter in practice because they affect how an act is charged and punished. The reorganisation also changed familiar section numbers, which is why the mapping below is so useful.
IPC to BNS Section Mapping: The Major Offences
People still search by the old IPC numbers they know. The table maps the most common offences to their new BNS sections, each linked to a detailed guide.
| Offence | Old (IPC) | New (BNS) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheating | 420 | 318(4) |
| Murder | 302 | 103 |
| Attempt to murder | 307 | 109 |
| Voluntarily causing hurt | 323 | 115(2) |
| Criminal intimidation | 506 | 351 |
| Intentional insult | 504 | 352 |
| Theft | 379 | 303(2) |
| Kidnapping | 363 | 137 |
| Rape | 376 | 64 |
| Wrongful restraint | 341 | 126(2) |
For a detailed explainer on each, see our guides on Section 420 cheating, Section 302 murder, Section 307 attempt to murder, Section 506 criminal intimidation, and Section 379 theft. For definitions, see our legal glossary.
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About the Author
Advocate Onkar Pandey (Bar Council of UP enrolment number UP 4825-1999) practises before the Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench, with a focus on criminal defence, bail, and the transition from the IPC to the new criminal codes across Lucknow and the wider Awadh region. He advises clients on how the BNS changes the charge and punishment in their matter and on the correct section under the new code.
Chamber A-406, High Court, Lucknow, Awadh Bar, UP 226001. Phone +91 98392 71553. Email advonpandey@gmail.com. This article is general legal information and not a substitute for advice on your specific facts. To discuss a case, please use the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of BNS?+
BNS stands for the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. It is the new substantive criminal code of India that replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) from 1 July 2024, defining offences and their punishments.
When did the BNS come into force?+
The BNS came into force on 1 July 2024, together with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). FIRs registered before that date continue under the IPC.
How many sections does the BNS have?+
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has 358 sections, compared with 511 sections in the old Indian Penal Code. The reduction comes from consolidating and reorganising offences.
What are the three new criminal laws?+
The three new laws are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the IPC; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the CrPC; and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which replaced the Indian Evidence Act. All three came into force on 1 July 2024.
Does the BNS apply to old cases?+
Generally no. FIRs and cases registered before 1 July 2024 continue under the IPC, while conduct on or after that date is dealt with under the BNS. Which code applies is decided by the date of the offence.
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Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and requires specific legal analysis. For advice specific to your situation, please consult Advocate Onkar Pandey or another qualified attorney in Lucknow.