IPC 126→BNS 154

IPC 126 to BNS 154: Committing depredation on territories of Power at peace with the Government of India

Section 126 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 154 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 126 →View BNS Section 154 →

IPC 126 to BNS 154 at a Glance

Section 126 IPC (Committing depredation on territories of Power at peace with the Government of India) is now Section 154 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 126 to BNS 154?

Section 126 IPC is now Section 154 BNS, with the same punishment and the same forfeiture. The BNS replaces any Power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India by any foreign State at peace with it, and the heading changes to match.

IPC 126 vs BNS 154: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section126154
OffenceCommitting depredation on territories of Power at peace with the Government of IndiaSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to seven years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine and to forfeiture of property used or intended to be used in the depredation, or acquired by it.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 126 and BNS 154: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 126, IPC 1860

126. Committing depredation on territories of Power at peace with the Government of India.—Whoever commits depredation, or makes preparations to commit depredation, on the territories of any Power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine and to forfeiture of any property used or intended to be used in committing such depredation, or acquired by such depredation.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 154, BNS 2023

Whoever commits depredation, or makes preparations to commit depredation, on the territories of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine and to forfeiture of any property used or intended to be used in committing such depredation, or acquired by such depredation.

Ingredients: IPC 126 vs BNS 154

Under IPC 126
  1. The accused committed depredation, or made preparations to commit it
  2. The depredation was on the territories of a Power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India
Under BNS 154
  1. Committing depredation, or making preparations to commit it
  2. The territory is that of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India

What IPC 126 to BNS 154 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 126 IPC (now Section 154 BNS): the punishment and the forfeiture are the same, but the offence now covers depredation on the territory of any foreign State at peace with the Government of India. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force must use the wider words.

FAQs: IPC 126 to BNS 154

What changed when Section 126 IPC became Section 154 BNS?▼

The class of territories protected. Section 126 IPC named any Power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India. Section 154 BNS names any foreign State at peace with the Government of India. The punishment is the same.

Where does Section 126 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 154 BNS, in Chapter VII, Of Offences Against the State.

Does Section 126 IPC or Section 154 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 126 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 126 IPC. Section 154 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 ·