IPC 117→BNS 57

IPC 117 to BNS 57: Abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten persons

Section 117 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 57 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 117 →View BNS Section 57 →

IPC 117 to BNS 57 at a Glance

Section 117 IPC (Abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten persons) is now Section 57 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 117 to BNS 57?

Section 117 IPC is replaced by Section 57 BNS, and the statutory punishment is significantly increased. Under the IPC, the offence was punishable with imprisonment of either description extending to three years, or fine, or both. Under Section 57 BNS, the penalty increases to imprisonment of either description for a term extending to seven years and with fine, removing fine as an alternative to imprisonment. The substantive words of the offence and the statutory illustration are retained, and the section heading drops the word the before public.

IPC 117 vs BNS 57: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section11757
OffenceAbetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten personsSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.
FineFine as an alternative or in addition to imprisonment. The section sets no maximum amount.Mandatory fine in addition to imprisonment. The section sets no maximum amount.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableCompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt by which offence abetted is triableSame

IPC 117 and BNS 57: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 117, IPC 1860

117. Abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten persons.—Whoever abets the commission of an offence by the public generally or by any number or class of persons exceeding ten, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both. Illustration A affixes in a public place a placard instigating a sect consisting of more than ten members to meet at a certain time and place, for the purpose of attacking the members of an adverse sect, while engaged in a procession. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 57, BNS 2023

Whoever abets the commission of an offence by the public generally or by any number or class of persons exceeding ten, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years and with fine. Illustration. A affixes in a public place a placard instigating a sect consisting of more than ten members to meet at a certain time and place, for the purpose of attacking the members of an adverse sect, while engaged in a procession. A has committed the offence defined in this section.

Ingredients: IPC 117 vs BNS 57

Under IPC 117
  1. The accused abetted the commission of an offence through instigation, conspiracy or intentional aid
  2. The abetment was addressed to the public, or to any number or class of persons exceeding ten
Under BNS 57
  1. Abetment of an offence by instigation, conspiracy or aid
  2. Targeting the public or any number or class of persons exceeding ten
  3. Increased punishment of imprisonment extending to seven years under Section 57 BNS
  4. Mandatory fine in addition to imprisonment under the new Sanhita

What IPC 117 to BNS 57 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 117 IPC (now Section 57 BNS): under Section 57 BNS, the punishment for abetting an offence by the public or more than ten persons is substantially harsher than under Section 117 IPC. The maximum term of imprisonment is raised from three years to seven years, and fine is made mandatory rather than optional. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 57 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 117 to BNS 57

What changed from Section 117 IPC in Section 57 BNS?▼

The punishment is significantly increased. Section 117 IPC punished the abetment with imprisonment up to three years, or fine, or both. Section 57 BNS increases the maximum imprisonment to seven years and makes fine mandatory alongside imprisonment. The section heading also drops the before public.

Where does Section 117 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 57 BNS, in Chapter IV, Of Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy and Attempt.

Does Section 117 IPC or Section 57 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 117 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 117 IPC. Section 57 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·