IPC 129→BNS 157

IPC 129 to BNS 157: Public servant negligently suffering such prisoner to escape

Section 129 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 157 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 129 →View BNS Section 157 →

IPC 129 to BNS 157 at a Glance

Section 129 IPC (Public servant negligently suffering such prisoner to escape) is now Section 157 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 129 to BNS 157?

Section 129 IPC is now Section 157 BNS, with the same words and the same punishment.

IPC 129 vs BNS 157: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section129157
OffencePublic servant negligently suffering such prisoner to escapeSame
PunishmentSimple imprisonment for up to three years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 129 and BNS 157: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 129, IPC 1860

129. Public servant negligently suffering such prisoner to escape.—Whoever, being a public servant and having the custody of any State prisoner or prisoner of war, negligently suffers such prisoner to escape from any place of confinement in which such prisoner is confined, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 157, BNS 2023

Whoever, being a public servant and having the custody of any State prisoner or prisoner of war, negligently suffers such prisoner to escape from any place of confinement in which such prisoner is confined, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 129 vs BNS 157

Under IPC 129
  1. The accused was a public servant
  2. The accused had the custody of a State prisoner or a prisoner of war
  3. The accused negligently suffered that prisoner to escape from the place of confinement
Under BNS 157
  1. Public servant
  2. Custody of a State prisoner or a prisoner of war
  3. Negligently suffering that prisoner to escape

What IPC 129 to BNS 157 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 129 IPC (now Section 157 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so the charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 157 BNS and is framed exactly as before.

FAQs: IPC 129 to BNS 157

What changed when Section 129 IPC became Section 157 BNS?▼

Only the number. Section 157 BNS repeats the words of Section 129 IPC, and the punishment is the same.

Where does Section 129 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 157 BNS, in Chapter VII, Of Offences Against the State.

Does Section 129 IPC or Section 157 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 129 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 129 IPC. Section 157 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 ·