IPC 121A→BNS 148

IPC 121A to BNS 148: Conspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 121

Section 121A IPC (1860) replaced by Section 148 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 121A →View BNS Section 148 →

IPC 121A to BNS 148 at a Glance

Section 121A IPC (Conspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 121) is now Section 148 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 121A to BNS 148?

Section 121A IPC is now Section 148 BNS, with the same punishment. The BNS changes two phrases. It widens the place of the conspiracy from within or without India to within or without and beyond India, and it cites Section 147 BNS in place of Section 121 IPC.

IPC 121A vs BNS 148: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section121A148
OffenceConspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 121Same
PunishmentImprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 121A and BNS 148: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 121A, IPC 1860

121A. Conspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 121.—Whoever within or without India conspires to commit any of the offences punishable by section 121, or conspires to overawe, by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force, the Central Government or any State Government, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—To constitute a conspiracy under this section, it is not necessary that any act or illegal omission shall take place in pursuance thereof.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 148, BNS 2023

Whoever within or without and beyond India conspires to commit any of the offences punishable by section 147, or conspires to overawe, by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force, the Central Government or any State Government, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—To constitute a conspiracy under this section, it is not necessary that any act or illegal omission shall take place in pursuance thereof.

Ingredients: IPC 121A vs BNS 148

Under IPC 121A
  1. The accused conspired, within or without India
  2. The object was to commit an offence punishable by Section 121 IPC, or to overawe the Central Government or any State Government by criminal force or the show of criminal force
  3. It is not necessary that any act or illegal omission took place in pursuance of the conspiracy
Under BNS 148
  1. The accused conspired, within or without and beyond India
  2. The object was to commit an offence punishable by Section 147 BNS, or to overawe the Central Government or any State Government by criminal force or the show of criminal force

What IPC 121A to BNS 148 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 121A IPC (now Section 148 BNS): the punishment is unchanged. Section 148 BNS words the place of the conspiracy as within or without and beyond India.

FAQs: IPC 121A to BNS 148

What changed when Section 121A IPC became Section 148 BNS?▼

Two phrases. Section 148 BNS adds and beyond to within or without India, and cites Section 147 BNS. The punishment is the same.

Where does Section 121A IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 148 BNS, in Chapter VII, Of Offences Against the State.

Does Section 121A IPC or Section 148 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 121A 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 121A IPC. Section 148 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 ·